The Current Reign – Reign XXXIX
H.M.I.S.M. Regent Empress XXXIX
Sugar B. Real
Sugar made the Imperial Court of New York History when she was Elected as the First Female, Woman of Color, Straight Ally to the position of Empress in 2016. Five years later She would once again show her strength and commitment to the Imperial Court of New York and the Community as the Empress who would help our organization come through the Covid pandemic which drastically transformed and took a toll on our organization.
The Imperial Court of New York’s chapter of the Imperial Court System was founded during one of the most challenging times—at the height of the AIDS epidemic—when the community was struggling and facing isolation. Sugar began her volunteer work in the early 90s, starting with visits to a friend in St. Vincent Hospital. The way her friends were treated made it clear to her where she was needed. At St. Vincent, she loved, laughed, and lost many in the community she called family. From there, a close friend invited her to join the efforts at God’s Love We Deliver, where she volunteered every Tuesday for the next five years, helping to prepare meals for the next day’s deliveries.
Then in 2006, for her birthday, her friend Jeffrey Souza, aka Cashmere Bouquet, purchased a
ticket for her to attend an event called Night of a Thousand Gowns. They both loved dressing
up and after months of planning their matching outfits, Sugar walked into what she thought was
one of the most spectacular evenings, an evening full of breathtaking glamour. Once she learned that all the members of the Imperial Court were volunteers, why and how they supported the community, she realized that there was no turning back. She soon traded in her hair net from GLWD for a suitably sized tiara.
Sugar is deeply grateful and humbled by the love and commitment shown by each member, her ICNY family, that without their unwavering support, this journey would not have been possible.
Sugar looks forward to giving back to the community, and ensuring it remains strong, resilient, and united which has always been Sugar’s goal, she will remain steadfast in her pursuit to make sure this community is heard and supported. True joy lies in the act of giving, and together, we can make a lasting impact.
Welcome back!
Empress XXX, XXXV, and Regent Empress XXXIX
Sugar B. Real
The Timeless Black Diamond and Pearl Empress
H.M.I.S.M. Regent Emperor XXXIV
Tony Monteleone
Introducing the Triple A Diamond Emperor of Allegria, Amore, and Abbondanza, Emperor XIV, XVIII, XXIII & Regent Emperor XXXIV- Tony Monteleone.
Tony Monteleone, a proud first-generation Italian American from the Arthur Avenue section of the Bronx, brings over three decades of expertise in marketing and sales for consumer and business media to his fourth reign as Emperor of New York. With an unwavering dedication to the LGBTQ+ community, Tony leverages his vast professional experience to create positive change and advocate for those in need within the Imperial Court of New York (ICNY). His leadership transcends the confines of the Court, making a significant impact in both professional and philanthropic circles.
Tonys exceptional leadership extends far beyond the Court. As a committed leader in the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) Manhattan chapter, he has continually shown his passion for community development and industry growth. His work with the social committee at SAGE further highlights his deep investment in fostering inclusivity and advancing the well-being of marginalized groups. With a lifelong devotion to volunteerism, Tony is involved with several other organizations, consistently stepping up to make a difference in both local and global communities. In addition to his philanthropic and leadership pursuits, Tony’s business acumen has been further exemplified through the consulting firm he founded last year.
Throughout his career, Tony’s leadership and service have been shaped and guided by some of the most influential figures in the Imperial Court. Having had the honor of reigning alongside Empress Robin Kradles, Empress Anne Tique, and Empress Twinkle Montgomery, Tony has drawn inspiration from each of these remarkable leaders, whose unwavering commitment to community service, advocacy, and social change has deeply influenced his own approach to leadership. The lessons learned from these Empresses continue to inform his mission to guide ICNY with compassion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to justice.
As Regent Emperor XXXIV, Tony Monteleone is poised to lead ICNY into an exciting and transformative era. He is resolutely focused on advancing the Court’s mission of outreach, visibility, and diversity, ensuring that it continues to be a safe haven for those in need and a beacon of support for the LGBTQ+ community. As the Court stands on the precipice of a milestone celebration, Tony’s passion for inclusivity, equality, and community service is stronger than ever, and he is eager to carry that spirit forward into the reign.
At the heart of Tony’s work is a deeply personal commitment to kindness, a value that was instilled in him by his beloved mother, Rosie. Her unwavering generosity and belief in the importance of everyday kindness continue to guide Tony’s actions, both within and outside of the Court. He dedicates this reign to her memory, honoring the legacy of her love and the lessons she imparted, which continue to inspire his dedication to making the world a better place.
Tony is also thrilled to work alongside Regent Empress XXXIX Sugar B. Real, a leader he deeply respects, and together, they will chart a course for a new chapter in the Court’s history. As they look toward the XXXIX reign, Tony is filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead, one that promises to amplify ICNY’s mission and build upon its rich legacy. Their partnership will ensure that the Imperial Court of New York remains a powerful force for good, uniting the community in support of those who need it most and continuing to create positive changes both locally and globally.
Welcome Regent Emperor XXXIV Tony Monteleone
.
