Emperors and Empresses

Last week I had one of those days that seems to be themed. One of those days when everything seems to pour from the same source and to somehow be connected. After a lazy morning and a batch of burnt cookies, I spent the afternoon with the television and a re-airing of the old, gay-loved classic, Funny Girl. One of the classic leading ladies, Barbara Streisand, filled the screen with her presence and the room with song. I am usually not one who loves movies like this or subscribes to the list of Divas supposedly loved by gays everywhere (Liza, Judy, Marlena, Cher, Madonna); but this one is not so bad, and I was in the rare mood for a musical.

And, wouldn't you know it, later that day I was invited by a couple of friends of mine to share an evening of Divas of another kind and another gender. It would seem that every year for the past decade or so, our little town of Lexington has honored those who perform in our bars and nightclubs every week with an awards ceremony not unlike those on television with categories ranging from 'Outstanding Achievement in Hair' and 'Outstanding Achievement in Dance' to 'Outstanding Achievement in Male Impersonation.' If you hadn't guessed it, the awards are mostly for those who perform at the opposite gender of their birth, namely Drag Queens and Transgendered individuals; which, if you've never made it to a gay club in America, is a staple in almost every establishment of any significant size.

Aptly named, my first attendance at the "Falsies" was an enlightening one. It was a night filled with massive amounts of make-up, long, flowing dresses, big hair, dance numbers to songs from all the Divas (to continue my themed day from Barbara to ABBA to Janet) with the proceeds going to local charities, and a decent amount of banter from two of our local newscasters who emceed the show (to my great and pleasant surprise). 'Ladies' thanked their husbands after winning their little gold statuettes, boys did the same. It was a room filled with acceptance more than anything. Families came to support their children, parents, siblings, all right alongside their brothers and sons in full drag and high heels. Several checks were awarded to local charities to support those with AIDS and organizations helping gay causes.

Every year the Imperial Court of Kentucky names one male and one 'female' the title of Emperor and Empress to perform charitable and social duties for the organization through the coming year, and tonight, it seemed they were all out. Crowns and tiaras glittered from the stage as the awards were given out, including one called the 'Michael Thompson Community Service Award,' which is apparently given to a person showing great strides and effort in the area of community service. I found it quite touching to know that the people behind such effort and such selflessness in our community actually do receive some recognition for their work. It sort of makes one want to do more to give back to the community, something we should all strive for, evening if that simply means attending events planned in our communities. One of my companions said to me that we he was glad I had agreed to come along as it would seem that opportunities to participate and attends events like this, especially ones so linked to the GLBT community are becoming rarer and rarer. And if we don't support what's left, soon there may be nothing left to attend at all. Someone has to care and make that effort, or else we are left with nothing, no voice and no community.

So to the Emperors and Empresses and all those behind the scenes, thank you for your efforts. I'll be back next year to see you all again at the 'Falsies.'

The 'Falsies' are an annual event held at the State Theatre in Lexington Kentucky.