(Long Island, NY) On March 31, 2007 I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Night of Thousand Gowns presented by the Imperial Court of New York.
The Imperial Court of New York is part of a federation of over 70 chapters across Canada, Mexico and the United States of America in the International Court System.
Approximately 1,000 individuals from the Manhattan metropolitan area and across the continent attend this magnificent ball. The Imperial Court was founded in 1986 and has raised funds of over a million dollars for health organizations and local social services.
This years contributions will enable PFLAG New York City’s Stay Close Campaign, promoting acceptance and love by featuring celebrities and their LGBT significant others in an advertising campaign.
Cyndi Lauper and Cognac Wellerlane A Night of thousand Gowns Photography by Lorenzo Esquivel
Tuxedos, magnificent ball gowns, encrusted regal robes, pageantry, elaborate hairstyles adorned with expensive jewels are all part of A Night of Thousand Gowns presented annually. National, State and city politicians all support A Night of Thousand Gowns. Senators Charles Shumer and Hillary Clinton, Congressman Jerold Nadler, State Legislators Deborah Glick and Thomas Duane, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn as well as Borough President Scott Stringer and Mayor Bloomberg have all given letters of praise promoting this glamorous gala.
This years event celebrated the 20th reign of New York Court headed by this years Majesties Emperor XF Fantasia and Empress XX Gefil Tefish which culminated the coronation of Imperial Highnesses, Crown Prince Royal Craig Hollywood and Crown Princess Royal B.
During my interview on the Red Carpet with Recording Artist Cyndi Lauper she revealed how thrilled she was to be Co-Chair for the ball and be part of the 21st Night of A Thousand Gowns! She mentioned that the event specifically benefits PFLAG’S Stay Close Campaign and that she is working on a new project with a number of partners launching the True Colors Tour. The True Colors Tour will visit cities around the country between Memorial Day and July 4th of this year.
Soap Opera Actress Robin Strasser and Cognac Wellerlane A Night of Thousand Gowns Photography by Lorenzo Esquivel
Ms. Lauper will be joined by artists Debbie Harry, Erasure, The Gossip, The Dresden Dolls and Margaret Cho to spread the message that we all have the right to live with the same dignity, opportunity and safety. It doesn’t and shouldn’t matter what anyone’s sexual orientation is. PFLAG has endorsed this message since the organization was founded. The True Colors Tour will share the same spirit as the Imperial Court – having fun while contributing to truly worthwhile causes.
I also had the pleasure of interviewing legendary Broadway Actress Barbara Cook who also Co-chaired as well as a spokesperson for PFLAG and Soap Opera Diva Robin Strasser. Robin expressed in our interview how proud she was to have been asked to be part of this event and The Imperial Court of New York and PFLAG’s Stay Close Campaign.
Other celebrities that attended the gala were Actress Julie Halston, Playwright and Drag Performer Charles Busch and Broadway Stars Daphne Rubin-Vega and Darlene Love.
For more information about The Imperial Court of New York and Night of Thousand Gowns please visit www.icny.org and for more information and awareness of PFlag of New York City and The Stay Close Campaign please visit www.pflagnyc.org and www.stayclose.org
