In June I was invited to open JOSHUA TREE GAY PRIDE by releasing a flock of white doves and promote the IMPERIAL COURT and CZARINA’S DYNASTY BALL at Palm Springs Riviera Hotel August 7.

From the podium in my black and white silk, pearls and huge hat, I surveyed the tank top and shorts crowd gathered in the desert heat. These were country people free of the airs and attitude common to the valley. There were lesbian couples with kids, friendly gay men, seniors having fun, and youngsters just coming out.

Turnout was huge and there was the spirit of togetherness. Everyone had come to promote and support equality, the event’s theme.

After the breathtaking dove release, I spoke. Appealing to those 50 and over I reflected on the days when homosexuality was considered a mental illness, and gay sex was criminal — dark times when gays were bashed, and the law looked the other way. Almost everyone lived in the closet and a middle-aged man in high drag could never have spoken publicly on these issues.

Turning my attention to the younger folks, I reminded them that their freedoms were won by activists like The Widow Norton, Jose, founder of the Imperial Court System, and Harvey Milk, the assassinated activist who we are to honor at the Czarina’s Ball August 7.

When I finished, I was caught off guard by exuberant applause. At that instant I experienced, possibly for the first time, authentic gay pride and I realized this is OUR time. The movement toward equality is unstoppable.

At the Czarina’s Ball, we will hear firsthand from Stuart Milk about his recent meeting with the President, and we will consummate a new alliance between EQUALITY CALIFORNIA and THE IMPERIAL COURT SYSTEM. The action will make us one of the most powerful forces in the equality movement, with influence reaching all the way to the White House.

Later, we tried to escape the heat and headed to the Joshua Tree Saloon, a local biker bar with a rough reputation. Feeling empowered by the day’s events, I crossed the threshold into the crush of straight bikers and cowboys. As my eyes adjusted to the dark, I became increasingly self-conscious of my “Beverly Hills” ensemble.

My bravado began to weaken until a huge biker approached and said, “Ma’am, if you’re not married, I will marry you tomorrow!” Soon after a young man timidly approached to say he thought I was beautiful!

Everyone was having a good time just being themselves and I began to sense that these were good people. Maybe they didn’t know what was underneath my skirt, maybe they didn’t care. Some, including the owner, heard my speech and offered support! Complementary drinks arrived.

I can’t say exactly what I expected to bring to Joshua Tree Gay Pride, but I can say with certainty that I came away with a renewed sense of humanity, community and pride. My gratitude to the organizing committee and volunteers for producing such a spectacular event!

Elizabeth (Liz) Loren Maria Romanov
Her Most Imperial Majesty, Czarina of Riverside & Imperial Counties
liz@emeraldkingdom.org

Dove release generously produced & orchestrated by Tom Carlson High Desert Doves 760-413-9774