The International Imperial Court System is one of the largest LGBTQ organizations in the world. Founded in San Francisco by gay-rights activist José Sarria in 1965, the system is comprised of local chapters, or courts, across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Most courts are known as empires and are headed by monarchs elected for one-year terms. The monarchs help the courts raise money for local charities through various fundraising events, notably the elaborate annual Coronation Ball. Since its founding, the International Imperial Court System has raised millions of dollars for charities supporting the LGBTQ community and helped raised awareness of LGBTQ issues.

In 1971 Seattle became the fourth court of the International Imperial Court System. Named The Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle Olympic and Rainier Empire, it elects two monarchs each year, an Emperor Rainier and Empress Olympia. The organization raises money to provide funds and services to other non-profits in the LGBTQ community throughout Washington state, and to support its scholarship program for LGBTQ students in Washington.

Paul Bigley (1948-1922) was elected to serve as the Emperor Rainier XI of the Imperial Court of Seattle for 1985-1986 term. A resident of Shoreline, Bigley served with Empress Olympia XV Miss Winnie Thurzdae. Here, Paul Bigley (center) poses at a campaign event with his partner Bill King (right) and another supporter at a candidate reception shortly before the election.

Caption information source: https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/11/resources/12771
Caption information source: https://www.imperialcourtofseattle.org