by Mallory Moad

The times in which we are living are turbulent and unpredictable on many levels. Too many of us face varying degrees of uncertainty on a daily basis, possibly none more so than the LGBTQ+ community.

This segment of the population has no interest in running from opposition––never has, never will. Resistance has come in many forms, from the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 to exuberant public demonstrations and in-your-face performance art. But the Imperial Dove Court De Fresno takes a more intellectual approach that stresses unity, understanding, joy, and service to others (with a touch of glamour).

Established in San Francisco in 1965 by the late Jose´ Sarria, or Mama Jose´, the Imperial Dove Court De San Francisco steadily grew into the International Court System, an extensive network of 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organizations throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. The Fresno chapter is one of over 65 in operation today. The Imperial Dove Court’s structure, regardless of location, is similar to a monarchy with an Empress and Emperor calling the shots. New royalty is elected by court members once a year after a series of elaborate festivities. The week leading up to the coronation is jam-packed with balls and receptions. Past monarchs and representatives from out-of-town courts frequently appear as special guests.

While it may sound like historical re-enactment or cosplay, the Imperial Dove Court De Fresno––or any other locale––isn’t about parties, fancy dress, and frivolity (although pageantry and all its finery and fun do figure into the scheme of things). Their mission is a serious one––raising funds to establish grants that are awarded to various local charitable and service organizations within, as well as outside, the LGBTQ+ community. These proceeds are generated by events and donations that are chosen, overseen, and solicited by the monarchs and their court. It’s an enormous undertaking and a big labor of love––all Imperial Dove Court (or, simply, IDC) chapters are run by volunteers, one-hundred per cent.

We’re not talking small change, either. Over $40,000.00 was raised in 2024. Recipients included Fresno Reel Pride Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Casita Feliz Latine LGBTQ+ Center, Trans-E-Motion, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Dr. Peter Robertson is the founder of California State University, Fresno’s Bulldog Pride Fund. With a mission to provide an annuity that supports students attending Fresno State, he has seen firsthand the results of the IDC’s generosity. It began 38 years ago when the United Student Pride’s booth in the free speech area on campus was vandalized and burned down. “The IDC made one of the first donations to help fund the building of a new booth,” he explains. The IDC has since become one of the most sustaining donors to the Bulldog Pride Fund’s endowed scholarship. Over the past five years, over 116 scholarships have been provided. “With their continued support, we will soon reach and surpass one million dollars in our endowment,” he says with gratitude.

Although the IDC has changed lives indirectly through giving back to the community, it also has had profound personal effects on its membership. Friendship, identity, sense of place, and self-discovery are just some of the benefits of working with the IDC.

At the age of 20, Ivanna Strange relocated to Fresno from the Wellpinit reservation near Spokane, Washington. Recently elected Most Imperial Majesty Empress 52 (along with Emperor 52 Lyon Me), Ivanna loves organizing IDC events and creating what she calls fun experiences. “I enjoy the connection with people who are like me and have had similar experiences to me,” she says. But her involvement in IDC goes even deeper. “I was going through a difficult time and I found this group of people who welcomed me and loved me like family so I never left. It saved my life when I was at rock bottom and has helped me to be a better person and to work hard to be useful to my community.” Ivanna is well aware of the financial and time commitments of her new role, from travel to other courts, to staging events, and making personal appearances. This is no deterrent to her dedication, and she is proud and honored to have been selected as what she calls “the face of the court.”

Ángel González has been involved in the IDC as a volunteer for the past two years. From soliciting donations, setting up tables and chairs, to performing for events in their drag persona, Ángel has pretty much done it all. “Volunteers do the work that nobody wants to do,” they say, “but we do it for each other.” After moving to Fresno from San Diego, Ángel found themselves dealing with culture shock. Fresno’s not exactly a cultural wasteland but it’s not Southern California, either. It was when they were introduced to the IDC by the King Father of that particular realm that they were able to feel re-grounded. “He wanted me to feel welcome here.” Recently, Ángel was named Mx. International Royal Pride 2025 by the International Imperial Court Council in recognition of their commitment to the IDC’s purpose and mission. Energetic and positive, they are a fine example of promoting visibility and advocacy through joy. Working with the IDC has given Ángel the satisfaction of making a difference in the LGBTQ+ community. “It’s something that’s bigger than myself.”

It has been said many times that the goodness you give to the world comes back to you, and the Imperial Dove Court De Fresno has proven this to be true. Their work may be centered on philanthropy, and while their efforts have been extremely successful, their support for the LGBTQ+ community goes beyond the monetary. For these industrious volunteers, whether they’re holding positions of nobility or working behind the scenes, the Imperial Dove Court De Fresno is a place that is loving, respectful, jubilant, and sometimes, just a little fierce. In the words of Dr. Peter Robertson, “The Imperial Dove Court has been an integral component to the Bulldog Pride Fund, to Fresno State students, to our community, and to me.”

Mama Jose´ would be proud.

My name is Mallory Moad and I believe love is love.

You can learn more about the Imperial Dove Court De Fresno at idcfresno.org. They can also be found on Facebook.

Mallory Moad is a visual/performance artist, vocalist in the jazz band Scats on The Sly and a proud Central San Joaquin Valley native.