ICS 60th GALA Events
ICS 60th GALA Events
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ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL COURT SYSTEM

The International Court System is one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ charitable organizations in the world, founded in 1965 by José Sarria, a legendary activist and drag performer known as “Empress I, The Widow Norton.” The organization operates as a nonprofit network of Imperial Courts across North America — including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, each structured like a royal court with elected leaders bearing titles such as Emperor, Empress, Prince, and Princess.

These courts are community-driven and operate under a shared set of values but are independently run in their respective cities or regions. The organization is known for its fundraising efforts, elaborate pageantry, and passionate support for LGBTQ+ rights, social services, and charitable causes. Each court typically holds coronation events, drag performances, and community activities to raise funds and awareness.

2026 Initiatives

    DISCOVER THE INTERNATIONAL COURT SYSTEM'S MISSION

    We are a charitable organization that believes in the transformative power of hope.  Our mission is to provide support, resources, and opportunities to those who need it most. We invite you to explore the website and learn more about how we are making a difference in the world. Thank you for your interest in the International Court System. 

    Volunteer Now

    Our Vision

    To create a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are celebrated, supported, and empowered to live authentically, in dignity, safety, and pride. The ICS envisions an inclusive global community united by compassion, civic engagement, and a shared commitment to justice and equality for all marginalized people.

    2026 PROCLAMATION

    The International Court Council

    The governing and coordinating body within the International Court System. It plays a central role in maintaining unity, structure, and shared values across the dozens of individual Imperial Courts that operate independently throughout North America.

    The council is composed of senior leaders from across the system, including recognized monarchs, founders, and key elected representatives from the member courts that works under the legacy and founding principles of the ICS.
    Through the symbolic traditions of monarchy and pageantry, the ICS raises funds and awareness for causes such as HIV/AIDS support, homelessness, youth services, and other community needs.

    Committees

    There are a number of committees that they serve on that are dedicated to supporting all facets of our community, and we welcome court members to join those committees to do their part to support the community at large. 

    Learn More

    PROJECTS AND CAMPAIGNS

    INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION FUND

    INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION FUND

    INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION FUND

    The Scholarship and Education Fund awards grants to individuals that are pursuing an advanced course of study beyond high school and may award grants for educational purposes to organizations with educational projects on LGBT issues.

    Learn More

    ICC CIVIL RIGHT TASK FORCE

    INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION FUND

    INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION FUND

    The National LGBTQ Task Force works to achieve full freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQ people by building a future where everyone can live openly and authentically. Despite progress, many still face discrimination, so the Task Force trains and mobilizes activists nationwide to break down these barriers.

    60 EMPRESSES OF DISTINCTION

    INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION FUND

    60 EMPRESSES OF DISTINCTION

    Nominations are open from Colleges of Monarchs & Board of Directors to honor 60 Empresses of Distinction across the International Imperial Court System during the 60th Anniversary Gala in Palm Springs.

    JOSE HONORS

    THE STONEWALL WALL OF HONOR

    THE STONEWALL WALL OF HONOR

    Established in 1997 by Queen Mother Nicole the Great, the José Honors are the International Court System’s highest award, presented biennially to outstanding leaders and one Court of Distinction. Recipients are peer-nominated, Board-endorsed, and selected by the José Honors Board of Governors.

    Honorees

    THE STONEWALL WALL OF HONOR

    THE STONEWALL WALL OF HONOR

    THE STONEWALL WALL OF HONOR

    The Stonewall Wall of Honor, a joint project of the International Court System and the National LGBTQ Task Force, honors LGBTQ trailblazers posthumously each year during NYC Pride. Nominations are accepted year-round, with final honorees selected after extensive review.

    Learn More

    CANADIAN WALL OF HONOUR

    THE STONEWALL WALL OF HONOR

    CANADIAN WALL OF HONOUR

    The Canadian Wall of Honour at The Well Bar in Hamilton celebrates 2SLGBTQ+ leaders who’ve advanced equality, echoing the U.S. Wall of Honour unveiled in 2019. Inductees are chosen by a Canadian Board of Governors made up of 2SLGBTQ+ leaders.

    TERRY SIDIE CALIFORNIA LGBTQIA SCHOLARSHIP

    NOBLE DEEDS: MYTHIC PORTRAITS OF THE IMPERIAL COURT

    TERRY SIDIE CALIFORNIA LGBTQIA SCHOLARSHIP

    A financial aid program established by LGBTQ+ activist and philanthropist Terry Sidie to support LGBTQ+ students in California pursuing higher education or vocational training. Funded through events like Sacramento's annual Rainbow Festival, which Sidie founded, the scholarship has amassed over $225,000, with plans to distribute $55,000 i

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    CASA DE LUZ

    NOBLE DEEDS: MYTHIC PORTRAITS OF THE IMPERIAL COURT

    TERRY SIDIE CALIFORNIA LGBTQIA SCHOLARSHIP

    LGBTQ people face violence, imprisonment, and discrimination around the world simply for being themselves. In response, the International Court Council supports Casa de Luz—a safe housing project for LGBTQ refugees—with over $30,000 in room sponsorships honoring nobles from across the International Imperial Court System.

    Learn More

    NOBLE DEEDS: MYTHIC PORTRAITS OF THE IMPERIAL COURT

    NOBLE DEEDS: MYTHIC PORTRAITS OF THE IMPERIAL COURT

    NOBLE DEEDS: MYTHIC PORTRAITS OF THE IMPERIAL COURT

    This photography and art book by Ben Fink documents the International Imperial Court System and features over 600 images, styled as Renaissance-inspired portraits, celebrating the pageantry and philanthropy of the IICS. 

    International Trans+ Advisory Board

    International Trans+ Advisory Board

    International Trans+ Advisory Board

    The International Trans+ Advisory Board of the International Court System promotes inclusivity, visibility, and empowerment for transgender individuals by providing education, resources, and policy guidance. It also advises on recognizing transgender monarchs and ensuring respectful representation in Court traditions.

    Learn More

    LGBTQ+ HEROS STAMP COMPAIGN

    International Trans+ Advisory Board

    International Trans+ Advisory Board

    The International Court System in conjunction with the National LGBTQ+ Taskforce are honored to be spearheading the campaign to have a US postage stamp released honoring LGBTQ+ heroes

    PINK TRIANGLE

    International Trans+ Advisory Board

    PINK TRIANGLE

    The International Imperial Court Council (IICC) is honored to preserve and share a rare Holocaust artifact: the pink triangle worn by 16-year-old Christian Prager, persecuted for being gay under the Nazi regime. Now part of the RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust exhibit in San Diego, it stands as a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ resilience and remembrance

    Learn More

    USNS HARVEY MILK

    JOSE SARRIA ON THE CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME

    JOSE SARRIA ON THE CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME

    The International Court Council, led by Nicole Murray Ramirez, was instrumental in the successful effort to have the U.S. Navy honor civil rights icon Harvey Milk by naming a ship in his memory—the USNS Harvey Milk, commissioned in 2021 as a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ visibility.

    Discover More

    JOSE SARRIA ON THE CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME

    JOSE SARRIA ON THE CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME

    JOSE SARRIA ON THE CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME

    In 2023, José Julio Sarria—WWII veteran, trailblazing LGBTQ activist, and founder of the Imperial Court System—was posthumously inducted into the California Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of visibility, community, and civil rights.

    Find Out More

    Trans+ Empowerment

    JOSE SARRIA ON THE CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME

    Trans+ Empowerment

    The Trans+ Empowerment Committee is a standalone affinity committee of the International Court Council dedicated to advancing trans+ advocacy initiatives within the ICC organizational structure while creating safe, affirming, and supportive spaces for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals across member courts across Canada, United States, and Mexico. 

    Learn more

    PARTNERSHIPS

    THE JOSE SARRIA FOUNDATION

    THE JOSE SARRIA FOUNDATION

    THE JOSE SARRIA FOUNDATION

    The José Sarria Foundation is a volunteer-run, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington State, dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of LGBTQ+ pioneer José Julio Sarria. As the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the U.S. and founder of the International Imperial Court System, Sarria's life and ac

    HARVEY MILK FOUNDATION

    THE JOSE SARRIA FOUNDATION

    THE JOSE SARRIA FOUNDATION

    The Harvey Milk Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing Harvey Milk’s legacy by promoting LGBTQ+ civil rights, education, and leadership worldwide. It focuses on empowering LGBTQ+ individuals through advocacy, community building, and commemorative events like Harvey Milk Day.

    THE TREVOR PROJECT

    THE JOSE SARRIA FOUNDATION

    THE TREVOR PROJECT

    The Trevor Project is a leading nonprofit organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth. It offers a 24/7 helpline, online chat, and resources to support young people struggling with mental health and identity challenges.

    EGALE ANADA HUMAN RIGHTS TRUST

    INTERNATIONAL GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION

    INTERNATIONAL GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION

    Egale Canada is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada. Founded in 1986, it focuses on research, education, awareness, and legal advocacy to promote inclusion and human rights across the country.

    INTERNATIONAL GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION

    INTERNATIONAL GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION

    INTERNATIONAL GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION

    The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) is a nonprofit that organizes inclusive rodeo events across the U.S. and Canada for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It combines traditional rodeo sports with unique contests while raising funds for LGBTQ+ charities.

    THE WELL

    INTERNATIONAL GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION

    THE WELL

    The Well is a vibrant LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant with multiple locations across Ontario and Florida, including Toronto, Hamilton, London, and Wilton Manors. Known for its inclusive atmosphere, creative cocktails, and engaging entertainment, The Well offers a welcoming space for community gatherings and nightlife experiences.

    FACES NIGHTCLUB

    Faces Nightclub, established in 1985, is Sacramento’s largest and longest-running LGBTQ+ nightclub, located in Midtown’s Lavender Heights. It features multiple themed rooms, diverse music styles, and hosts events like drag shows, making it a central hub for the LGBTQ+ community.

    Copyright © 2024 ICS 60th Anniversary Events - All Rights Reserved.  

    The International Court Council is a 501c3 charity and is also registered in California

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