Queen City drag queen being crowned
Belle of the Empress Ball from Regina
REGINA — Tomorrow is coronation day.
And for the first time in the 50-year history of the Canadian gay “court system,” which was founded by gay rights pioneer ted northe (who preferred his name be spelled in lower case), the Empress of Canada crown will go to a drag queen from the Queen City.
Avaughna Sanoir (who requested his given name not be published) will be crowned Saturday at the Vancouver Art Gallery at The Empress Ball, a charity fundraiser attended by members of gay community organizations from across North America.
“The scope of this position now is one of many challenges. The need is to engage a whole new generation of LBGT (lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender) individuals, because it’s crucial,” Sanoir said in a telephone interview, adding that it’s a time to “reinforce the need for new faces and a fresh voice to ensure a strong future for our Canadian courts.”
“My wish is to witness more smiles, laughter and caring moments,” he said.
“My wish is for communication to blossom, and to reach full potential and give back to those groups and organizations that are in need.”
In addition to raising money for charitable causes ― and showcasing some of the guests’ fanciest attire ― this year’s coronation event will pay tribute to northe, co-founder of one of the world’s largest gay community organizations and the first and only person until now to hold the office of Empress of Canada.
Northe, who helped raise millions of dollars for charity throughout Canada as the head of the Empress of Canada Foundation, died of lung cancer earlier this year at 76.
He left his legacy in the hands of Sanoir, a 60-yearold, old-school, glam drag queen, who dons elaborate gowns, bold jewelry, big wigs and heavy makeup for fundraising and performance only.
“That’s the part that people don’t understand,” Sanoir explained. “I’ve got a life partner of 27 years. We’re happy. We’ve got better marriages than half the straight community.”
“We’re in a lifestyle now that we’re able to give back to the community,” he said.
The goal of his role as Empress of Canada is to travel to each of the 12 Canadian gay courts during his reign. He’ll also represent Canada at international courts.
“We’ve got to leave the legacy to someone. And I think that if you can nurture them in a positive image in a role model, it sure makes life a lot easier,” Sanoir said.
An election was held and Sanoir was selected by a conclave of 24 heirs from across Canada, appointed by the Empress of Canada prior to northe stepping down. Heirs were chosen based on their dedication and service to the Imperial Court System and their communities. Prior to his election, Sanoir received the title of Grand Czarina.
“That’s the highest you can get before becoming the Empress of Canada,” explained Sanoir, who also served as an heir.
Sanoir will now appoint his own heirs.
“So if something happens to me, one of the heirs would step up and replace me,” he said.
His heirs will be selected from across Canada, based on “respect, integrity, collaboration and innovation in the betterment of the Empress of Canada Foundation.”
The office of monarch in the gay court system requires a major financial and time commitment.
“I’VE GOT A LIFE PARTNER OF 27 YEARS. WE’RE HAPPY. WE’VE GOT BETTER MARRIAGES THAN HALF THE STRAIGHT COMMUNITY.” AVAUGHNA SANOIR
“All the travelling we do is out of our own pocket … What we spend on drag and clothing and makeup and everything is all out of our own pocket,” Sanoir pointed out.
“Because all the money we raise goes to charity.”
The primary role of the Empress of Canada is to promote goodwill, cooperation and unity ― something Sanoir has been doing for years on behalf of the Court of Regina.
He uses caring-and-sharing moments to help bring the community together.
“I think it’s really important that we don’t lose sight that we are part of the community. That’s my whole aim in the next few years, to get that diversity out, to say that we are mainstream. We are part of the community. And we are valued members of our community.”
One of his first proclamations as Empress of Canada will be to establish the ted northe Bursary Fund, Sanoir said.
During an interview for a Regina Pride Week supplement, which appeared earlier this week in the LeaderPost, Sanoir said, “This position allows me the pleasure and opportunity to assist the next generation to establish a more vibrant GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) community and a happy, productive Canadian court system … My hope is to continue to grow the (Empress of Canada) Foundation as a strong, positive, diverse community organization.
In Regina, Sanoir has been a major supporter of a Court of Regina bursary, which has distributed thousands of dollars to students.
Money is raised though entertainment and fundraising activities, such as bingos.
By giving back to the community through charitable donations and bursaries, the drag subculture strives to raise awareness of GLBTA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allies) rights, and help create a safe and positive environment.
“It’s to share the positive change, with love and respect and appreciation of one another for all that we can and will accomplish ― in the past, as well as what we will accomplish in the future,” Sanoir said.