Initially, the courts, including Edmonton’s, were entertainment societies whose emphasis on fundraising was solely focused on paying for the following year’s ball. This changed in 1984. The impact of HIV/AIDS on LGBTQ2 communities across the world was devastating, and government indifference forced these communities to fund both research for a cure and compassionate care for those who were often ignored and suffering from the virus. The ISCWR, like many other sister courts, rose to this occasion. In fact, the very first donation received by the AIDS Network of Edmonton’s newly established Ross Armstrong Fund came from the ISCWR.

Over the years that followed, many different groups benefited from the fundraising efforts of the ISCWR. Each year, the selection of charities is left to the discretion of the newly elected Emperor and Empress. Some of these charities have included the Pride Centre of Edmonton, Elizabeth Fry Society, and diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s research. The ISCWR has also been a significant and long-time supporter of Camp fYrefly. In 2021, the primary beneficiary of Emperor and Empress 45, crowned during a virtual ball amid the Coronavirus pandemic, was the John M. Kerr Memorial Bursary. This bursary was founded in 1984 by Emperor 8 Rick and Empress 8 Mary Mess. Named in honour of John “Gramma” Kerr, the bursary is presented annually and has helped hundreds of LGBTQ2 students with their post-secondary education.

As one of Western Canada’s longest-running LGBTQ2 organizations, the ISCWR has witnessed significant change in the community. Indeed, they have helped shape it. Initially, the ISCWR, like all chapters of the Imperial Court System, was focused on drag, which meant, for many, gay men. The ISCWR helped transform the definition of drag, welcoming not only drag kings such as their first female Prince but also straight, cisgender women and men into their fold. The ISCWR also made history by crowning Canada’s first Indigenous Empress (Millie) and the first Black Empress (Gracie Spoon).

Another significant milestone in the ISCWR’s history occurred during the reign of Emperor 33 Sundance Lonestar and Empress 33 Marni Gras. One of Marni’s many goals as Empress was to raise the public profile of the ISCWR outside of the LGBTQ2 community. Part of this mission was accomplished with help from then MLA Rachel Notley. Marni, Sundance, and other members of the ISCWR were introduced during a session of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly. Marni was announced not only in full drag but also wearing her crown. Notably, wearing a crown in the Legislature had been previously reserved only for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The introduction of the ISCWR became an annual event and inspired courts in other cities to petition their own government legislatures for similar recognition of their good deeds.

Over its forty-five-year history, the ISCWR has had to adapt to changing circumstances more than once. In 1982, the city held its first organized Pride festivities in the wake of increased activism and community outreach after the 1981 Pisces bathhouse raids. Pride festivities did not include a march or a parade that year; however, several events occurred across the city and at nearby Camp Harris. The ISCWR played a crucial role during the beginning of Edmonton’s Pride movement. Some of its members sat on the Pride organizing committee along with individuals from GATE, Dignity Edmonton, Gay Fathers, the Privacy Defence Committee, and Womonspace. Members such as Prince 44 Harry Schnitzel have also spearheaded initiatives to help Edmonton’s homeless population, with sock and clothing drives for Edmonton’s CHEW project and the spread of “drop off” boxes to give food and water to those in need. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on traditional drag shows and venues created a need for the ISCWR to move toward virtual fundraising. Silent auctions and 50/50 draws tied to online entertainment enabled the Court to continue its long-standing mission of giving back to the community.

Recently, the ISCWR has had to pivot to address a growing decline in queer entertainment venues. The mainstream popularity of drag has made this easier in recent years as Edmonton has many spaces and pop-up events that are embracing drag as both art and entertainment. While the Court was previously limited to performances in places like gay bars and hotel conference rooms, they can now be found hosting virtual events, sold-out drag brunches at campus pubs and restaurants, and performing shows in parks, churches, and sporting venues. Some Court members have also participated in events like “Drag Queen or Rainbow Storytime” at the Edmonton Public Library and often make regular appearances at gay-straight alliances and queer proms.

When people talk about “found” or “chosen” family, the ISCWR is a classic example of the importance of this kind of queer community. With chapters now found in over eighty North American cities, the Imperial Court System is tied together by a shared history of noble and charitable deeds. In Edmonton, as in any city where a Court society can be found, this results in a tight-knit family, with all the frictions and feuds that implies. After all, what would drag be without drama?

The true importance and depth of connection can perhaps be best described by Empress 1 Millicent herself when she stepped down during the 1977 Coronation Ball at the Chateau Lacombe: “I find it difficult to put into words the love and appreciation I owe many people who helped me during my year as first Empress of the Imperial Court of the Wild Rose. It was a year of my life I will never regret and whose memories will stay with me till the end of eternity. It is also my wish to thank those people who helped in ruling over an empire which compares to none other. As my last request as Empress I, I ask only that you give my successors the same deep-felt love and warm appreciation you have given me. My continued support goes to these two people, and I hope yours as well. Once again, thank you, Edmonton. I will never forget you.”