Mame Dennis

Queen Mother of the NOrth East
Empress Emeritus

Carl Rizzi (1940-2015)

Carl Rizzi – better known to Washington, DC’s LGBTQ+ community as Mame Dennis – grew up in New Hampshire and brought her love of High Drag to Washington, DC in the late 1960’s after a stint in the Navy. At that time, The Academy was the only way to be a part of the drag scene in Washington, DC and she joined, being rechristened as Mame Dennis, in 1966. In 1973, she was named as President of The Academy and set off to change the organization from alcohol-induced fights and wig-snatchings to a respectable establishment the community and city could be proud of. At her direction, The Academy created The HOOP (Helping Our Own People) Fund for persons affected by HIV/AIDS to provide financial support to members. Through her unrelenting leadership, The Academy saw great success and raised awareness and funds for the LGBTQ+ community until it disbanded in the 2015. 

More information on Mame can be found at MetroWeekly

Ken Dennis

KIng FathER I of the imperial court of washington DC

Emperor II

Ken Jewel Dennis (Alan Crumpler)

(July 24, 1946 – Oct 26, 2024)

Vietnam Veteran, advocate and philanthropist, volunteered his time at The Fan Free clinic, The Academy of Washington D.C. and The Imperial Court of Washington D.C.

Ken was a long-time member of The Academy of Washington which was established in 1961 as a social organization and for 55 years was known for its elaborate pageants and contests while providing a safe, welcoming space for the LGBTQ community in the Washington, DC area.

He received the following awards with The Academy of Washington D.C. :

The Best Actor (1990), Foreign Achievement (Richmond) (1990), Honorary Mr. Scandals (1993), Mr. Gaye Peace Love & Harmony, Beekman Place Pin, Special Appreciation Award, Miss Gay Universe, Ambassador at Large (2001), Star of the Future (2005), Mr. Black and White Debonaire (2005), Lifetime Achievement Award (2007), Mr. Gay Peace Love & Harmony (DC) (2008), Anthony Versitility 2013 Beekman Place, And The Ken Dennis Trophy For Collecting Trophies.

Beloved Inaugural Member, His Imperial Majesty, The Emerald and Gold Two-Spirited Soaring Cherokee Eagle, Emperor II; King Father of The Imperial Court of Washington, D.C., he leaves behind a legacy of children, nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grandnieces within the Imperial Court System. He was named The Great Grandson to Her Majesty Queen Mother I of the Americas, Nicole the Great. He is the son to the Queen Mother of the Northeast, Mame Dennis, Lifetime Citizen to the Desert Empire and King Father to Emperor VI.

Ken is recipient of the Imperial Royal Order of Emperor Joshua Norton and Imperial Order of the Double Eagle.

His Imperial Majesty held the position of Dean of the College of Monarchs from 2013-2021.

Ellen Kathleen Gibson  
(1937-2015) 

Ellen Gibson was the human version of sunshine and love. She had a contagious laugh and sassy personality. To know her was to love her. Throughout her life and careers she always had others well-being in mind. She was a school bus driver for Fairfax County Virginia, Crossing guard for the City of Fairfax , Foster parent for Arlington County & Fairfax County from 1977-2012 and a member of the Imperial Court of Washington DC since its inception until her passing in 2015. For the majority of her adult life she took care of Foster children. Over a span of 35 years as a therapeutic foster mother she provided a safe , nurturing and healing environment to over 3,000 children with various needs to include emotional, behavioral and medical needs that stayed in her home. Some may have stayed one night, some stayed for many years. Ellen had a tell it like is attitude that kept her kids in line and helped them through life. She put over a dozen children through school and college. Ellen accepted everyone as they were. Her door was always open to anyone who needed her, and you could talk to her about anything. Many kids came back in life to thank her. Ellen had a love for travel, she was tearing up the roadways on the weekends going to wherever she pleased. She had a love for country and bluegrass music. She loved to dance and have a good time. Every Friday she went to get her hair done “just right” so it would be perfect for her regular attendance of Drag Bingo at Freddie’s Beach bar and so addictive . Her favorite prizes were the lava lamps and Barbie dolls. She had an appreciation and love for the LGBTQ+ community. She attended events with the ICWDC, The Gay United Pageantry System (GUS), Pride Events and events at Freddie’s Beach Bar. Since her passing in 2015 she was honored with the Ellen Gibson “ Grandma’s Love” Award by the Imperial Court of Washington DC. It is presented to an exceptional individual who makes everyone they meet feel loved and whose thoughtfulness knows no bounds.

Grandma bottoms

Phoenix Jewel

Prince Royale for Life to REign I

Mike Sanders 

Founder of the Faux Queen Pageant (2011), Mr/Mx/Ms DC Royale and Miss DC Femme Fatale Pageant. He was the keeper of all protocols and tallied all Pageant points. Daddy Mike’s soft but firm words carry on through 

Duchess of the Vietnam Memorial

Katrina Meeks
(March 4, 1976- June 6, 2016)

US Army Veteran

Katrina was an avid volunteer and member of the Imperial Court of Washington, D.C. She was currently enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. She obtained her cosmetology license in 2014 and was a Veteran of the United States Army. Reigned as Miss Gay VA Femme Fatale 2015-2016.

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Rascal Bottoms

dehamilton dennis

David Henderson
(June 1, 1966 – September 8, 2018)

David was proud of his Patawomeck native heritage, which he was a member of the Patawomeck Indians of Virginia. David was a veteran of the US Navy, from July 1984 to January 1991, serving as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, where he was awarded two Sea Ribbons, Battle “E” Award and Navy Achievement Medal. He was a heart transplant recipient in January of 2013 and was a huge volunteer for Donate Life of Virginia.  David was also an active member of the Imperial Court of Washington, D.C.  

John Jessie
(june 24 xxxx – MArch 13, 2023

A Richmond local diva who brought fun and love to Godfrey’s Saturday brunches with her brash ‘Camp and Cocktails’ concept. Recipient of the 2012 GayRVA Richmonder of the Year, they left a legacy of erasing mental health stigmas, HIV/AIDS awareness and dedication to community service.

natasha carrington

Empress III