What is the Dogwood Monarchist Society?
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The Dogwood Monarchist Society
The Dogwood Monarchist Society, is a non-profit society behind the Mother Court of Canada, the Imperial Court of Vancouver. Their primary mandate is to raise funds for registered LGBTQ+ charities in British Columbia as they provide safe, queer spaces for social-interaction to celebrate Vancouver’s drag community and their supporters.
History and Structure
The society traces its roots to the early 1970s and is registered under the Societies Act of BC. It is part of the larger Imperial Court System, a network of drag-based charitable organizations that began in the United States in the 1960s.
The Imperial Court System was created by José Sarria, also known as Empress I of San Francisco, as a way to organize drag performers and queer people through structured pageantry. The monarchy format gave queer leadership visibility at a time when few public platforms existed.
The title “Mother Court of Canada” refers to the Vancouver chapter’s historical position as the first Imperial Court established in Canada. When the Imperial Court System expanded from the United States in the early 1970s, Vancouver was the first Canadian city to form an official court. Because of that, the Dogwood Monarchist Society holds the ceremonial title “Mother Court of Canada.”
Each year, members elect an Emperor, Empress, and/or Emprex (a gender-neutral title) to lead its “Imperial House” and appoint other monarchic-style titles. . These monarchs serve a one-year term, leading fundraising events, representing the organization publicly, and supporting local charities. The titles are symbolic, meant to parody and repurpose traditional power structures while celebrating drag and queer culture.
Mandate and Activities
The Dogwood Monarchist Society’s main goal is to raise money for charities that support 2SLGBTQiA+ people in British Columbia. It hosts events throughout the year, with the largest being the annual Coronation Ball. This event crowns the new monarchs, features performances, and raises funds for chosen beneficiary organizations.
All proceeds from donations and event fundraising go directly to charity partners. The society also runs a bursary program for queer students in BC, known as the Boxx-Barr Bursary Fund.
Upcoming Coronation
Coronation 54: All Roads Lead Northe is the Dogwood Monarchist Society’s upcoming annual crowning event. It will take place in Vancouver March 26-30, 2026, with the main Coronation night scheduled for March 28 at Performance Works on Granville Island. The Coronation weekend includes several gatherings, such as a welcome reception, an out-of-town show, and a Sunday victory brunch.
The event crowns new monarchs for the next reign and raises funds for local 2SLGBTQiA+ charities through performances and community participation. It continues a long tradition of drag pageantry and charity within the Imperial Court System. Tickets are available online through Zeffy, with full-weekend or single-event options. The Sandman Suites Vancouver on Davie Street serves as the host hotel for visiting attendees.
Jude Goodwin is a local queer writer and poet. She is also the owner of What’s On Queer BC. Read Jude’s poetry on her Substack here.