​High heels and a heart of gold

Photo by: Coit Photography, Minneapolis, Minn.

Anastasia Rose’s drag beginnings started on a Fargo-Moorhead stage in November 2007. Since then she has relocated to Minneapolis and has become part of the Imperial Court of Minnesota where she continues to sport high heels and a heart of gold. This time as she hits the stage she will be accompanied by her court, raising money for the Minnesota Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN).

“Many non-profits the court raises money for have programs that cover various parts of the state. We are starting to follow their lead and take our talents and fundraising abilities directly to the communities which we support.” says Anastasia.

The High Plains Reader had the opportunity to speak with Anastasia about the organization, the cause, and her drag beginnings.

High Plains Reader: Can you tell me a bit about the Imperial Court of Minnesota?

Anastasia Rose: The Imperial Court of Minnesota (ICOM) is a local chapter of the Imperial Court System (ICS), whose focus is to build a better community through volunteer work and community outreach, with an emphasis on fundraising. We were founded in 1991 and are very excited to be celebrating our 25th Silver Anniversary this year.

As a 501c3 organization, we have raised money to help other non-profit organizations that provide services and programs which greatly benefit people within our community. Our vision and mission is to build a better community for the future by bringing awareness to critical issues, raising money through fundraisers and donations, and providing opportunities to volunteer.

Throughout the year, we host several events and fundraisers ranging from drag shows, auctions, brunches, Tupperware parties, taco feeds and everything in between. On top of raising funds for those in need, they provide a time and place for individuals to build connections with other organizations and each other. As we say in the Court System, “We raise one dollar at a time.”

HPR: How did you get involved with the ICOM?

AS: I have always been one to believe that as entertainers we must give back to the communities that support us. I had heard of the Court System before moving to the Twin Cities but did not know a lot about them. After living here for a couple of years and seeing what they actually did, I felt that this was a great opportunity for me to become more involved in the community, to meet new people and to give back.

HPR: I saw that you are the Princess Royale. What does that all entail and how long is your reign--do you have a specific platform?

AS: Within the Imperial Court System, we play upon the royal line and titles that you see in foreign courts such as England's Royal Court. The higher your rank, the more responsibilities and leadership is placed upon you with the Emperor and Empress being the highest. The titles below can vary slightly depending on which realm you are in.

For Minnesota, Prince/Princess Royale is considered second in command. We have obligations to fulfill within our reign and take the place of our Emperor/Empress if they are absent. The entire Royal Line reigns for one calendar year from the time we are invested. Many newly elected Emperors and Empresses chose the Royal Lines platform for the reign. For ICOM's, current reign, that was left up to the individual members. This year, all of my functions besides Fargo's, have been to raise funds for RECLAIM!, an organization that provides mental health services to LGBT youth and their families within the Twin Cities metro.

HPR: Can you tell us a bit about your drag beginnings--did you have a drag mother and what was the most important thing she taught you?

AS: I started performing way back in November 2007. My drag mother then was a local queen, Vita Grooves. She helped me out for a few months before retiring and moving to the Cities. I have pretty much stood on my own since then. Just this past winter, I was adopted into the Richards family by a Twin Cities drag legend, Dee Richards. Both of my mothers have taught me so much with the most important being to stay true to yourself and know your words to every song you do!

HPR: How long does it take for you to become stage ready?

AS: I like taking my time to get painted so I try to allot myself a couple of hours. I have been known to put on a face and into body in roughly 45 minutes.

HPR: Is there one ritual or element of your preparation that instantly gets you into character?

AS: Music. Music typically will always get me in the mood while I am painting. Then as soon as the paint and body are on and I flip on that first wig, I'm ready to rock.

HPR: What can show seekers anticipate?

AS: ICOM is not all about work and seriousness. We love to have a good time and do our very best to ensure that you do as well. There will be entertainers representing our current reign as well as past reigns. We will also have entertainers coming to represent Nebraska's Court. Along with the entertainment, we will have donated items and gift certificates to win and bid on as well as pudding shots and drink specials.

HPR: You will be partnering with the Minnesota Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN) and will be donating the proceeds of the night's festivities--would you like to add anything to that?

AS: I have a personal investment in the work that RAAN does. They lead rural Minnesota in the fight to stop HIV through a broad array of client services, risk reduction, advocacy and awareness. In their 21 years of service, RAAN has served over 10,000 individuals. Their services range from HIV testing to case management, counseling, food and transportation assistance, syringe exchange and mental health access and support groups. All the money brought in from the cover charge/VIP table sales, auction, shot sales and performers tips will go to help them continue their amazing work.

HPR: How can others become involved or help out with ICOM?

AS: There are a few ways that people can get involved that meet varying levels of commitment. Those that are registered MN residence have the option of becoming paid members of the court. Registration and dues can be completed on our website. All registered MN residences have the right to vote for the next reign's Emperor and Empress, whether they are a paid ICOM member or not. Absentee ballots can be requested for those not able to make it to the polling place. Individuals may also make donations directly to ICOM to help us with operating costs such as website maintenance, storage, printing and mailing. And if they see that we are hosting an event for an organization or cause that is close to their heart, they can make a donation directly to that event as well all on our website.

IF YOU GO

An Imperial Night

Saturday, November 19, 8pm

Jerry’s Bar, 1500 11th Ave N #2, Moorhead

To donate: www.impcourtmn.com.