United Court of the Pikes Peak Region

Founded: 1973

1980s

One of the organizations that comprised the Pikes Peak Gay Community Center. "People often wonder what the Court is. Well, without pages of explanation, let me say we are here for the pleasure and entertainment of the community, the betterment of relations between us and the hetero- sexual community. By law, we are required to give at least 2/3 of our earnings back into various groups. These groups include a Hospital Fund, AIDS groups, Senior Citizen's Homes, and many more. No Monarch receives any money for their work. The knowledge of being the best that you can be is your payment and final reward." - GAYSPEAK, September 1986^[1]

XIII

Barb Granniss and Dan Entler^[2]

XIV

Emporer David Eidson and Empress Lyda Rose

1990's

Starting in the January 1990 issue of , the name of the organization was referred to as the United Court of the Rising Sun Empire, under the leadership of Emporer 14 David Eidson and Empress 14 Lyda Rose.

2000's

"The Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire has been in existence since 1973 and is in the 30th reign. We are the  oldest gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered organization in the state of Colorado. Many of the major cities in the western United States and Canada have a “Court System” in their community. In essence, we are a chapter in an international organization. Coronation (a gala function held once yearly), is where voters from within the boundaries of our “realm,” which ranges from Castle Rock to the Wyoming Border, crown the newly elected Emperor and Empress. This is significant, as the community has a voice in selecting who they want to represent them in their organizations fund-raising capacity. Our members also attend Coronations throughout the United States and Canada representing the Northern Colorado area in an attempt to further relations with outside communities.

The ICRME has expanded during its 30 years of existence. During this time we have expanded our community to read as the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. We continue to hold functions for the enjoyment of this community. But most importantly we have remained committed to raising money for charitable organizations and help those in our communities who are in need of assistance. In the last 29 years, we have given away over $500,000 to charities in Colorado. A variety of shows are hosted each week with a designated beneficiary which will be the recipient of the proceeds.

In addition to the shows that are held, many Court members take part in other community based activities that call for the giving of time instead of money. Some examples are:

• Delivering meals for Project Angel Heart
• Handing out Thanksgiving meal baskets during the CAP Thanksgiving Food Drive
• Staffing a concession stand at the Colorado Valkyries home games (our local woman's football team).
  ^[3]

Emperors and Empresses

1988

Empress Erica Courtland ^[4]

Points of Future Research

• Would like to find photos of some of the earliest court members and events
• What inspired the name "United Court of the Rising Sun Empire"

References