We, the members of The Arizona Imperial Court, Incorporated, join together, knowing there exists in our realm a true need for serendipitous acts of goodness, kindness, love and charity. It is to these purposes that we shall gather our collective resources. It is to these purposes that we shall dedicate those resources, which will enable us to act as a focal point for channeling needed monies to worthy organizations.

Board of Directors | Minutes |By-Laws

Board of Directors

President - Steve Lafata Email Steve Lafata Steve, one of the two Co-founders is from West Islip NY. Born in Astoria Queens, Steve moved to the area after a Christmas visit to his parent's home in Mesa in 1983. After several years of living back and forth between Denver and Phoenix, he settled permanently in 1998. With a background in Banking and Customer Service, he is currently and happily employed with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona in the Federal Claims processing unit. Steve loves to cook, work out, relax and watch movies and you can nearly always find him out and about the city of Phoenix. Steve has volunteered for many years with many different groups starting with the Colorado AIDS Project and was with the Rocky Mountain Empire for their 18th through 22nd reign. He believes that to volunteer is to be a part of the solution to help those who truly need it. "To me, to be a great person is to sacrifice your time to help others..."

Vice President - Sandy LaFrance Email Sandy Sandy hails from Escondido, California, and moved to Phoenix in 1980. She has two children who are all grown up and are living on their own! Sandy has been active in the Arizona BDSM community for the past 12 years, holding many positions in various groups. Sandy is Co-founder of the Arizona Women of Leather (AWOL), and served on the Board. Sandy was the first of the AWOL sisters to serve as Ms. AWOL. Sandy also held the office of Secretary for Arizona Power Exchange (Apex) for 2 years after the incorporation to a 501© 7 organization, and held the office of Co-President for 2 of the 5 years she was on the board. She currently sits on the board of Directors of Southwest Leather Pride weekend and is one of the co-producers of same. Sandy currently has been honored with the title of Grand Duchess Reign III for the third time and is excited to be involved in the Arizona Imperial Court again. Sandy is looking forward to seeing old friends and in making new ones.

Secretary - Joe Kunkel aka Jennifer Carroll Email Joe Kunkel Born in Killeen TX, the Arizona Courts Co-founder came to Phoenix 3 years ago with his career in student educational funding. Having received his BA from Howard Payne University, he has been involved with the court system for over 15 years and has been a driving force in organizations in both Texas and New England. Joe feels that volunteering is important because in many instances, federal agencies do not have the time, manpower or resources to help those who can no longer help themselves, that volunteers can take up the slack so that some do not get left out. In his spare time, he enjoys bowling, hiking, biking and swimming. Mr. Kunkel, or Ms, Carroll, as the case may be, is currently single but would love to be in another relationship some day.

Treasurer - Gary Munson Email Gary Munson Gary was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan but was raised most of his life in Texas. He started his court service in Houston with the Empire of the Royal, Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star in 1994. That same year he relocated to Dallas, Texas but did not join the court right away. He supported both the Imperial Court de Fort Worth/Arlington and the United Court of the Lone Star Empire of Dallas. A year later he was a member of the United Court of the Lone Star Empire. Gary was elected Emperor 28 in 2002. In 2007, he decided that a change of scenery was needed and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. He joined the Imperial, Sovereign Empire of Arizona where he continues to raise much needed monies for the GLBT communities of Arizona. He recently was bestowed the title of King Father to Reign 2.

 

Member at Large- Joseph Gaxiola Joseph A. Gaxiola (aka JaGi) was born and raised here in AZ. At the tender age of 20 Joseph moved to San Diego. In 1992, he became involved with the LGBTS (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight) Band of San Diego, where he eventually became one of its producers and in charge of fundraising for the band. He also became involved with the Imperial Court de San Diego in 1995, during Reign XXIV (Emperor Toni Puente and Empress Maya). By the end of Reign XXVI (Emperor Randy Abatangelo and Empress Fifi) JaGi received San Diego's most valued title for non-elected members who's participation is far above the norm: Her Imperial Highness, The Golden Phoenix Crown Princess for Life. In 1997, JaGi began producing one of the most successful camp drag shows in San Diego at The Hole. In 8 years, JaGi's troup of camp performers raised over $10,000 dollars for various Southern California charities. In 2004, Joseph decided to move back home to Phoenix to be closer to family. Joseph now works for his family's medical billing agency as an accountant in Chandler, AZ. Thanks to Grand Duke Gaby and Grand Duchess Sandy, JaGi joined the Imperial Court of AZ. She is thrilled to be back with the Court and is looking forward to helping out as much as she can with the court and its membership.

Board Meetings
The Board of the Imperial Court of Arizona meets monthly on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Church of Hope at 1pm. Please come and find out more about one of the most exciting charitable organizations in Arizona.

Meeting Minutes
The Imperial Court of Arizona believes in maintaining transparency with the Community as it concerns our meetings and books. As part of that copies of our meeting minutes will be posted to the website. Click the links below to read more. Please note that in some cases these may not be the final approved copies. For questions or corrections please email secretary@imperialcourtaz.org

Board Meeting Minutes