Reign II
 

Emperor II - Mr. Michael Gaffney
The Golden Sapphire Scorpion of the Desert
The Celtic Claddagh Legend of the Phoenix

I was born and raised in the Heartland of America, the Great State of Iowa. I became involved with the International Court system while living in Omaha NE where I became Prince Royale XIII for Emperor XIII Connie Henke. I have an Elementary Education major and Music Minor from Upper Iowa University. I have now lived in Phoenix AZ, with my husband Craig Van Deen (aka Julie Craig), for the past 13 years. For the past 8 years I have been an Underwriter for one of the top Flood Insurance Companies in the country. During the first reign, I held the Board position of Secretary. I now have been elected by the Community to be Emperor II of the Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona. I am very excited for our year with so many things already planned. I am proud to be a part of The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona, what Steve and Jennifer started has now been passed onto Reign II. The Reign II Family has already become a close-knit Family. Come join the fun with us!

 

Empress II - Miss Julie Craig
The White Diamond Star of the Desert
The Red Desert Rose Legend of the Phoenix

I am originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, and now a 13 year resident of Phoenix, AZ. I have been an RN for 30 years and currently employed in health insurance. I became involved as a female illusionist in the early 80s, winning many titles in Minneapolis and finally, as the first elected Empress of the Imperial Court of Minnesota in 1991. I am very proud to have been elected to reign as Empress II and continue to be involved in this new organization that is so community focused and has so many great people to play with. Come join the family!

 

Prince Royale - Joseph Brumley

Joseph has been actively involved in the Phoenix Community for the last 17 years. He and Bob Fernie founded People of Alternative Lifestyles at Phoenix College, he was one of the founders and twice past president of the Phoenix boys of Leather, a member of the Arizona Power Exchange, Mama’s Family and the Imperial Court of Arizona. Last year he served Reign I as Prince and is currently Prince Royale for the Imperial Court and was padlock leatherboy 2003. Joseph is extremely active in his community, organizing and participating in events too numerous to list here. He spends his work days as the Manager of Operations and Creatives for staff development for a fast growing company with over 15,000 employees. He believes in learning from the good and the bad experiences and believes if you’re not having fun, you’re just not doing it right.

Princess Royale - Regine

Hi I am Ray Vela (aka Regine Rochelle) I have been doing drag for 20 years in Texas and Oklahoma. In Terxas I was in the court as the Imperial Crown princess. I also helped a friend start a new org. Called "We Care" whichwas a 501c-3. I moved to Tulsa and worked for MCI Worldcom. Then moved to Phoenix in 2002 and was employed by Ville Del Sol. Where I was Medication Management for behivor health children. I became involved with the Imperial Court of AZ. In Augest of 2006 to help my community. I have been greated with open arms from everyone in the court. Now it's your turn come and enjoy the the Imperial Family and have a great time with us.

 
 

Prince - Stephen Bloom

Born in 1963, Stephen is a gay leatherman and holds the titles of Mr. padlock Leather 2001, padlock Leathersir 2002 and Marquis, Reign I of the Imperial Court of Arizona. Stephen was proud to serve as Local Co-Chair and Director of Marketing for Leather Leadership Conference-IX, and was awarded the Rocky Mountain Region Pantheon of Leather XV Award. He served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Power Exchange (APEX), served as Treasurer, and Vice President to the Universal Brotherhood of the Leatherlords (UBL), is the founding member and past President of the Arizona Men of Leather (AML) and serves on the newly formed Arizona Leather Alliance (AzLA). His involvement also includes assisting with the production of many other local and regional Leather contests and events, fundraising for local charities, community graphic designer, and presenting lifestyle demonstrations and topics at both the Cellblock and Arizona Power Exchange.Stephen and his husband Alan have been together since 2001, and his boy Joe (Mama's padlock boy), has been collared to him since 2002.

 

Princess - Anita Richman

Anita Richman AKA David Craig is a native Arizonan and was born in the town of Winslow, Arizona. Anita grew up in North-Eastern Arizona and moved to Phoenix in 1990 where she first became involved in the GLBT community. It was while she was caught trying on black pumps in Kmart that her talents were discovered and she was asked to perform at the infamous and historic 307 Lounge. She had finally realized her dream and was able to combine her two favorite things…making people laugh and wearing her mother's jewelry.

Since that time, Anita has performed in many venues and for the benefit of many organizations supporting the GLBT community from Aunt Rita's to Joshua Tree, Logan's Playground and many more. While her beauty and talent continued to amaze and awe her worldwide network of fans, she chose to remain in Phoenix, performing in local venues where she met her husband, Count II of the Imperial Court of Arizona, Douglas Mitchell in June of 2003. Having always been compelled to take in stray animals and social misfits, Anita invited Douglas back to her place and they have been together ever since where she has since socialized and house trained her husband of over 4 years.

Anita was thrilled to be crowned Princess II of the Imperial Court of Arizona in 2007 and will continue to do her best to entertain audiences and raise needed funding for deserving audiences serving the GLBT community through laughter and entertainment.

 

Grand Duke - Gaby Tako

Gaby was originally involved with Reign XXIV in San Diego under Emperor Toni and Empress Maya. In Reign XXV she attained the rank of Prince under Empress Roxy and Emperor Noel (and had a great deal of fun with PR's Donald Hart and Crystal Chandelier). Gaby moved to Phoenix during Reign XXVI (Emperor Randy and Empress Fifi), leaving many good friends and fond memories behind. As usual, her involvement in community activism did not cease and she soon helped to found Arizona Women of Leather (AWOL) where she currently serves as President.

Gaby has long been involved in various community activism ranging from grassroots fundraising to working with state and local governments from New York (City and State), Philadelphia, Las Vegas, San Diego and now Phoenix.

Having had a great time during Reign I in Arizona (Empress Jennifer and Emperor Steve) she looks forward to a rollicking good year of increasing Court membership and great fundraising!

 

 

Grand Duchess - Sandy LaFrance

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! Yippie!

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 currently sits on the board of directors (and has since the inception). 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 II 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.

 

Duke - Open


 

Duchess - Regina Gazelle

I'm the Founder/Director of an all transgender halfway house, non-profit organization. It's called "This is H.O.W.", the first in the state of Arizona. In addition to the transgender women I have supported, I have held several community orientated titles such as Miss Originality 2000, Miss Gay Glendale and Miss National Capital Cities and have traveled, performed and spoken on issues important to our community across the country. I've started an AA meeting for the Community Church of Hope and I'm frequently asked to speak to AA, NA and other groups on transgender issues. I am part of a T-Girls Vision, which is an all transgender support group at the Community Church of Hope. We meet once a week to discuss issues that concern a transgender's everyday life.
I have raised more than $40,000 in fundraisers for the non-profit organizations within the communityI am pleased and honored to be a part of the Imperial Courts

 

Baron - Jeff Muir

I was active in the Salt Lake court for 10 years. Was a member for the Utah Aids Foundation. I was raising money for many functions in Utah. Was also active in the USA Pageant system in Wisconsin. Moved to Phoenix, Az in the year of 2004 worked for Glendale Community Collage as a Career Counselor. I became a member of the MCC Church. Joined the Imperial Court to help my community. So come on down and join the Family.

 

Baroness - Dee Dee Deviant

I grew up in Arizona and was introduced to the Court System back when Arizona had an Imperial Court 32 years ago and I helped with a lot of benefits then back stage. I moved to California in 1984 an got involved with the Imperial Court of San Jose, Ca. and found that the Imperial Court System was like a family who helped one another and did benefits for other Organizations and Individuals in need. I found this rewarding and a way to give back to the Community. Then I moved to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas and by chance was invited to see how the Imperial Court of Fort Worth was like and totally enjoyed the friendliness of the people and decided to Join. I began doing Drag to perform and for 12 years put on shows and benefits for many Organizations and individuals to assist them in their needs. I became the Imperial Crown Princess for Life to the 16th Reign and carry that Title for Life. The Imperial Court System does not keep any of the money it raises for Charity and that was one of the main attractions for me and that I had a part in raising money to help others out and know that the monies went directly to that organization or individual.

 

Marquis - Henry Tank

Bio coming soon

 

Marquessa - Marie Tank

Bio coming soon

 

Count - Douglas Mitchell

Doug has been involved with fund raising for the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender communities for over 10 years. While obtaining his medical degree, Doug participated in several community outreach programs for the GLBT arena, including facilitating anonymous AIDS/HIV testing centers in Cleveland and Akron, OH. In 1997, Doug was voted as "Mr. Tool Shed, Cleveland". Doug became further involved with the GLBT community again after he completed his post-graduate work. He accidentally fell in love with David Craig (aka: Ms. Anita Richman) while working for a surgical group during a visit to Phoenix in June of 2003. Doug has been living here ever since and he and David recently celebrated their 4 year anniversary. This alliance has opened up many, many avenues to aid under served/under recognized populations. Doug is currently a healthcare administrator for a nationwide acute care hospital system in the valley.

 

Countess - Open

 

   

Truly LaFemme - Imperial Soveriegn Advisor to Reign II
The Grand Wisdom of the Realm

 

Miss Ebony Le Chic - Grand Visier to their Majesties
The Divine Diva of the Realm

 

Gary Munson-King Father of Reign II

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.

 

Jagi-Queen Mother of Reign II

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.

Proclamations



Emperor’s Playground – Apollos
Empress’ Playground – Kobalt
The Imperial Hideaway- The Rock
The Imperial Bistro - Friends Bar
The Monarch’s Gift Emporium – Lomaki Candle
The Imperial Family’s Sunday After Meeting Stop – Kobalt
Moonshiner to Their Majesties – April Peterson (BUD LITE)
The Imperial Meeting House - Gentle Shepherd MCC