The 10th annual Night Of A Thousand Gowns at the New York Sheraton Hotel did not disappoint anyone who was expecting a lavish affair. Over 700 people were in attendance (think our gender events draw a crowd? Hah!) bedecked in jewels, tuxedos and some of the most gorgeous, most expensive gowns this reporter has seen in any one place. Never let it be said that a bunch of drag queens don't know how to entertain!
The evening started with cocktails at 6:30 PM which we missed due to heavy traffic getting into New Yawk. But we made it in time for a quick nip before sitting down to a delicious dinner. Yes, it was chicken, but it wasn't rubber and the vegetables were divine. Surprisingly, for a hotel, the coffee was outstanding, although some of my table-mates never did get their decaf and tea. Much later in the evening, dessert was served buffet style and I can tell you that never have I seen such a variety of fat pill s. I mean a choc-aholic would have gone into insulin shock just looking at the stuff.
My spouse and I were most honored to be seated at Princess Victoria Westin's table, (Ms Westin is almost a dead ringer for Faye Dunaway - stunning!) along with our friends Carol & Babs Casbar, Sue & Heidi Lynette, and Leslie Foster.. Also seated at the table was Chevon, a former Empress of the Imperial Court of Buffalo, New York and her partner Vince, a delightful couple. Vince and Chevon patiently answered all my questions about the workings of the Imperial Court system.
During the meal, the members of the Court entertained us with beatifully choreographed songs reminiscent of a Broadway musical. Several individuals sang live, including Ms. Westin who has a fabulous voice for the blues.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Imperial Diamond Award to Lypsinka (aka John Epperson). Epperson could not be present so a letter from her was read by Empress VIII Coco LaChine while it was lip-synched by another queen from center stage. It took a moment to realize what was happening and then the crowd roared with delight.
Next, there was the presentation of Titled Guests and Out-ofTown Courts. The Titled Guest schtick is an interesting way to raise money. Anyone can buy a title and then be presented to the Empress IX Philomena. I missed the table where they were selling them, but I so wanted to be presented as "Her Cyberial, Imperial Majesty, the Queen of Cyberspace, Ms. JoAnn Roberts." However, I suspect that my purse did not hold enough cash for so impressive a title. Ah well, maybe next year.
After the New York Court was introduced, the coronation of next year's Court, Empress X Ran-Dee and Emperor Vi Steven, proceeded with much fanfare and I mean that literally.
All through the evening dance music was provided by the Hot Lavender Swing Band. I have to mention one special performance. Broadway singer Alix Korey did a song by David Friedman called, "I Wanna Be Rich, Famous and Powerful." It was a scream. Ms Korey appeared courtesy of Broadway Cares an AIDS charity.
Okay, so before you get the notion that this is all pomp and circumstance without any redeeming merit, let me tell you a little about the Imperial Court system. Each court is a federal 501[c][3] charitable organization. The system was founded in San Francisco in 1965. The Empress and other courtiers spend most of their year traveling and attending charity functions on behalf of the gay, lesbian and bisexual communties to raise money. Empress IX Philomena offcially opened gay pride week last year and recen tly made an educational film for the Gender Identity Center in New York about empowerment of the transgender community.
That was another pleasant surprise. Many times during the evening I heard the word transgendered used in inclusive ways thanks to people like Lynn Walker of the New York Gender Alliance who has close ties with many members of the Imperial Court. In Empress IX Philomena's address to the court, she spoke several times of representing the transgender community, as well as gays, lesbians and bisexuals.
Overall, I was very impressed (and that's hard to do with a jaded queen like me) with the organization and scope of the event, the even balance of playfulness and seriousness, and the open friendliness of the attendees. If you have the opportunity to attend next year, by all means go! It's for a good cause and you will have a ball. Besides, where else are you gonna where that beaded dress?