PHOTOS: Mike Ruiz, Johnny Weir, Lisa Lampanelli Hold Court At Night Of A Thousand Gowns
Saturday night, a kingdom’s worth of drag queens attended the 26th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns, a dazzling display of regal glamour was held at New York’s Marriott Marquis in Times Square. Over the years the event, organized by the Imperial Court of New York (ICNY), has raised more than $1 million for HIV/AIDS and LGBT youth-enrichment causes.
This year ICNY crowned their Most Imperial Sovereign Majesties Emperor XXI Ritz Kracker and Empress XXVI Witti Repartee, while photographer/ex-A List-er Mike Ruiz was honored with the Imperial Diamond Award in acknowledgment of his work for the LGBT community. Special guests and performers included Lisa Lampanelli, Lea DeLaria, radio host Elvis Duran, MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts, Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, Tabatha Coffey and Real Housewives cast members Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen.
Click through for more pictures from Night of a Thousand Gowns.
Photos Courtesy of Andrew Werner/the Imperial Court of New York
Lisa Lampanelli is not funny. Does she have dirt on someone to be able to consistently get work?
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Actually the Court System has been around for over 50 years in this country. And was founded by the first openly gay politician in this country. And all of our members are volunteers, and all the outfits and jewels are paid for by each individual. We provide a safe and fun space for our members to express themselves while raising funds for many local charities. Lisa Lampanelli’s humor may not be for everyone, but she was an absolute doll to work with and we were thrilled she volunteered her comedy to our fabulous event! Big kisses Empress XXV Peppperica Swirl.
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@Pepperica Swirl: I was quite proud to be there – it was the best charity event I’ve ever attended. Never a dull moment!
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They have raised more than 1 million for charity and spent about 10 million on their events and outfits.