The Imperial Court of Los Angeles and Hollywood was started in 1971 as camp and fun contest to elect an “Emperor” and “Empress” of Los Angeles. Thus was born the oldest, most enduring, and dynamic GLBT organization in Los Angeles County. In its years of existence the Court has raised hundreds of thousands for charity. The Imperial Court of Los Angeles and Hollywood is a private, non-profit 501(C)(
3) California Public Benefit Corporation. The primary goals of the Imperial Court is to further relationships with organizations and businesses within our community, to raise money for charitable organizations, and to help those in our community who are in need – all while having a lot of fun. Los Angeles & Hollywood’s Imperial Court is one of 68 “courts” in an international organization, with chapters in most cities in the United States and Canada, and now a chapter in Mexico, making it one of the largest Gay & Lesbian organizations in the world. The “co-presidents” of Los Angeles & Hollywood’s Imperial Court, called “Emperor” and “Empress” are elected annually at an event called a “Coronation”. Any Los Angeles County resident can cast a vote for that year’s Emperor and Empress. The “monarchs” guide the Imperial Court through fundraising efforts throughout their “reign” which is approximately a year.
