Name/Title
[Tony Valentine Does It Pinback Button]Entry/Object ID
2022.11.05Tags
Organizations, SlogansDescription
A circular, red pinback button that reads in black text around the perimeter "Alameda County Imperial Empire," and separated by star icons, "Emperor I." In the center are two outlined heart icons that read in the center "Tony Valentine Does It."Item Type
Pinback buttonContext
From the Imperial Star Empire, Incorporated "ise history" webpage: "In 1978 by the decree of the Widow Norton, Empress I Jose, the Empire of Alameda County was given to the people to select their own Monarchs for Imperial representation. However, Imperial roots had already been established in the East Bay by another 'reigning' organization known as the 'King & Queen of Hearts of Alameda County'. To make a long story short, the reigning Queen of Hearts stepped down to run for the title of Empress. Alameda County's first Imperial Board of Directors had quite a job, the writing and formatting of a constitution and bylaws as well as encouraging members of the community to participate. By September 1979, Alameda crowned it's first Monarchs, Emperor I Eddie Paulson and Empress I Suzie. Over the course of the next several years the men and woman of the Empire represented Alameda County and assisted many people through their charitable works.
During the 7th and 8th Reigns the organization saw many noteworthy changes. As one chapter of the book closed, another one opened. One of the more influential members of the community, Emperor 8 David Montoya's partner, Princess Royale Star (aka Doug Bohrer), was considered destined to become Empress. Unfortunately, before this could happen, we lost Star to AIDS, which was beginning to ravage the community during about this time. The Board of Directors chose to honor her memory by changing the organizations name. From the 8th reign forth we would be know as The Imperial Star Empire of Alameda County (ISE).
ISE also began to focus on becoming more 'legitimate' in the eyes of not only the gay community, but also the federal and state authorities. We officially became incorporated during the 8th reign. By the 10th reign ISE achieved federal and state tax-exempt status, and began the public elections of our Board of Directors.
helping to improve lives and create a brighter future for all." (Linked in this record)
From California Revealed and the GLBT Historical Society: "José Julio Sarria was best known as a drag performer and a pioneer in the gay rights movement. Crowned Queen of the Beaux Arts Ball in 1964, Sarria created the title 'Her Royal Majesty, Empress of San Francisco, José I, The Widow Norton‚' and soon thereafter established the Imperial Court System, a network of non-profit charitable organizations throughout the United States and internationally. Each year, an Imperial Court chapter elects an Emperor and Empress (the latter usually a drag queen) and puts on a fundraising coronation gala. The Imperial Courts span both urban and rural queer communities and provide a space for individuals to socialize, lead, and contribute to civic life. Sarria remained a central figure in the Imperial Court System until his 2013 death." (Linked in this record)Collection
Adrian J. Cardwell CollectionMade/Created
Date made
1979Time Period
20th CenturyPlace
County
Alameda CountyState/Province
CaliforniaLocation
PacificRegion
WestContinent
North AmericaLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
Button, PromotionalNomenclature Class
Advertising MediaNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsGetty AAT
Concept
LGBTQ+, memorabilia, philanthropyLegacy Lexicon
Object Name
LGBTQ+ philanthropyCategory
HomosaurusOther Names
Name Type
Organization NameOther Name
The Imperial Star Empire, IncorporatedValuations
Valuation Type
Donor EstimateValue
$5.00Date
Oct 18, 2026Create Date
October 18, 2026Update Date
October 18, 2026