Alameda’s reigning Grand Duchess Vivian Lee St. Michaels, columnist Pollo Del Mar, Ella Gant and Miss San Francisco Gold Rush Anjie Myma enjoy Sunday’s Ducal East Meets West event.. Photo by Bill Jellings.

Notorious Sainted Glamazon About Town

There was little I wanted to do less this past weekend than put on drag. After an already exhaustive week, and with the sun beaming down outside, I felt more like lounging on the beach – or at least my couch — than being cooped up in a wig and corset.  

Unfortunately, long before the picture-perfect weather swept through the City, I’d promised to make appearances at not one but two events this past Sunday afternoon. So with beads of sweat forming even before I even left the house, I set out to make good on my word. 

By the time I arrived for my first stop in Hayes Valley, Marlena’s was already crawling with hot, sweaty men. After placing second in their new division, Marlena’s Renegades proved their award for sportsmanship was well-earned by hosting a fundraiser to send rivals the Buck Tavern Spitfire to the Gay Softball World Series. 

As shirtless boys raised money by selling jello shots upstairs, I chatted away with Empress XLII Chika, Sue Patrick and Empress XLI Galilea in the basement. Conversation soon turned to the upcoming Ducal Elections.  With Ducal applications now available, everyone is abuzz about who might follow in the highly-successful footsteps of reigning monarchs Grand Duke Carlos Medal and Grand Duchess Landa Lakes.

According to Empress XXV Marlena, she is firmly in support of Patrick Noonan’s bid to become San Francisco’s next Grand Duke. Apparently even before applications are officially due — they must be turned in by Sun., Aug. 16, at Deco Lounge with Ducal Review Board the following Tues. — she has pledged a significant amount of money to the current Ducal Royal Crown Princece’s campaign.

While Patrick is the odd’s-on favorite to take Grand Duke, people are still curious who might throw her hat into the ring for Grand Duchess. Rumor has it Bliss Ashton could make a second run for the title. Speculation has also circulated that Empress XL Tiger Lily – herself a former Grand Duchess – might be another possible candidate. Only time will tell, I suppose.

Meanwhile, as the girls gossiped downstairs, the boys were getting rowdy upstairs! Former Emperor John Carrillo, reigning Mr. Hayes Valley Leather Bryan Duke, the fabulous Paul Davis and more mingled as Emperor T.J. Istvan tended bar. Before Chika and the girls could kick off their show, though, it was time for me to head on to my next destination. So back into the blazing sun I went, headed to the Tenderloin for the Ducal East Meets West fundraiser.

A combined effort of the Alameda and San Francisco Ducal Councils, the event packed the Deco Lounge with court members from both sides of the Bay. San Francisco’s Grand Duchess XXIII & XXXIV Renita Valdez was in charge of the buffet in the rear while Royal Daddy’s Boy Erick Lopez and Royal Daddy Ron took care of raffle tickets. 

Mr. Royal Bunny 2009 Matt Renck and Sandra O. Noshi-Di’n’t, who just two weeks ago placed second runner-up to the South Bay’s BeyonSoy in the Miss GAPA Pagaent, emceed the evening’s entertainment. While the City was well-represented by Empress XXXIII Alexis Miranda, Grand Duchess XVII & XXXIII Collette LeGrande, Miso Hornay, Miss San Francisco Gold Rush 2009 Anjie Myma and Grand Duchess XVIII Davida Ashton, the East Bay had a great turn out as well. 

Alameda’s Reigning Grand Duchess Vivian Lee St. Michael and her real life husband, the reigning Grand Duke Ken St. Michaels, were on-hand. Grand Duchesses Satine Fabrique and Ella Gant, as well as Stephanie Nicole, also appeared. Even Marlene Manners showed, though out-of-face. 

Capping the evening, Emperor XXXVI John Weber and Grand Duke Carlos got everyone in attendance riled up with the promise of their Second-Annual Imperial vs. Ducal Showdown at Deco. Whereas last year the ladies of both Courts faced off – with the Imperials coming out ahead – on Sun., Aug. 16, the men go head-to-head in a “male-to-male battle royale” to benefit the Monarch’s funds. John-Jon promises to bring the funk, and, honey, I sure believe him!

By the time I slipped out of Deco that night, the warm summer sun was long gone, but my couch was still waiting. As I peeled off my drag and collapsed onto the sofa after yet another incredibly long day on the town, trust me, I enjoyed it more than ever!

Follow “The Glamazon” on Twitter @TheGlamazonPDM . Find her at Facebook.com/PolloDelMar