As The Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut celebrates 25 years of doing good in our state and community, we want to celebrate the folx who make our success possible, our members. Each week we will highlight one of our members and ask them questions about themselves and The ISC of All CT.
Today we highlight Emperor 24 George Hicks-Richards:
1. When did you join the organization/how long have you been associated?
– I joined in 2019. Mark and I had been “Court adjacent” for years so we decided to make it official!
2. How did you hear about the ISC of All CT?
– I was introduced to the Court by Mark (Hicks) Richards while he was reigning as Mr. Connecticut Bear. I met Vu Tran through him, who in turn helped me learn more about the Court and ultimately became my sponsor! My first event I attended was an ICP Ball held on the Yale campus.
3. What interested you in joining the organization?
– I was intrigued by the history and the outward expression of “Queer Royalty” and the fact that it was a volunteer organization. At the time, I was a titleholder in the leather community and was feeling a bit unfulfilled, as my regional title focused on advancement and representation over fundraising. My goal of becoming a titleholder was to hopefully raise funds and awareness to the needs of the queer community as a way of giving back and honoring the lives of so many companions and friends I had lost during the AIDS pandemic. The Court was offering an avenue for me to do just that.
4. Please give 3 to 5 adjectives to describe the ISC of All CT?
– Chosen family, selfless, charity, commitment, purpose.
5. What is your fondest memory/moment with the organization?
– It is really hard to pick just one! So here’s a few:
– Working with some of our amazing and talented members of the local drag community and Denali from RuPauls Drag Race to raise record funds for local charities at a Pride Afterparty.
– Having the opportunity to not only Reign with my husband, but to help change the norm and show that traditions can change and adapt and be successful.
– Handing out 5 figure checks to our charities and learning what the funds raised meant to them and how it opened up opportunities for them to grow.
-making my mother proud of me through my work as part of a nonprofit.
6. Where would you like the organization to go in the future?
– I would like to see the organization continue to grow and evolve. The queer community is ever evolving, and we need to ensure all are welcome, loved and supported.
#RoyaltyGivesBack