Reign VIII
The Eighth Reign
The Court of the Seraph and the Moon
April 4, 1981

Empress VIII Annie Brenman
The Seraph Empress

Emperor VIII Jim Ash
The Stallion Emperor

The eighth reign brought about some changes and the city chose as their agents of change Emperor and Empress VIII, Jim Ash and Annie Brenman. As the Gay Communities news periodical, OUTFRONT said, “Pert and pretty Empress Annie, the first woman to hold the coveted title in the Imperial Court, distinguished her office with style and dignity and by making decisions that reflected common sense.” Emperor Jim brought a new direction and flash for the male side of the monarchy. No Emperor in Denver, before or since, has displayed his individuality with as much pizzazz and flamboyance as did the 8th Emperor. Under the 8th Reign, a new governing body took shape in the formation of a 12-member Advisory Council. Out of this council came the requirement of function accountability with report sheets to be filled out and turned in after each function held by a court member. The Court’s by-laws, were examined and updated in depth. Court member’s attendance at Court functions was tracked for purposes of gauging Court involvement.

During the 8th Reign, the Empress’ Touch of Class show became a Gay Pride Event. Jim and Annie were the first monarchs to have a non-gay publication cover their Coronation (Rocky Mountain Business Journal, Mar. 31, 1982, Issue). The energy of the 8th Reign was evident in their major functions. The PR Ball was really a dinner and show, held at the Fuji En. It carried the theme of “Sayonara.” Snowball was a “Christmas Affair & Carnival”, with a magic show and organizational booths held at Rossi’s Catering Hall. The King of Heats ball went sports-minded, with “Campaign Kick-Off”, a football inspired theme also held at Rossi’s.

The energy and electricity of the monarchs was further carried on by their lines of succession. For Annie, Princess Royale was Janelle Neiman; Queen Mother (for life) Pearl DeVere; Czarina, Brandy Dennison; Marquessa, Jay Sutherland. For Him, the Prince Royale was Hal Reidemann; King Father (for life), Ron Heath; Grand Duke, Chuck Fugita; Czar, Chuck Bates; and Marquis, Steve Anger. Brandy Dennison was made the Imperial Butterfly Princess for Life by Annie, while Jim gave his permanent title to Missy of L.A. as Empress of Empresses for Life.

Amid the most spectacular set Denver has ever had, “Egypt – Pharaoh’s in Time” at the Denver Radisson, the 8th Reign went to glory as the 9th Reign began its journey.