Reign VI

Emperor VI

The Emperor

Mark Bovay

Empress VI 

The Fire Rose Empress

Christi Layne Elizabeth

The city was ready for excitement and fire and they found it in the election of Emperor and Empress VI, Mark Bovay and Christi Layne. While the drag community had always been supportive of the Court, the Leather community had been a bit hesitant. But with the completion of the 4th and 5th Reigns and the Emperors who were elected, the selection of Emperor VI, Mark Bovay solidified the support of the Leather Community for the Court. Both the Emperor and Empress were strong personalities and often times this resulted in a loud discussion or decision. The one thing the Emperor and Empress always agreed upon was the support of their city and Empire.

By this time, the city was becoming loaded with other organizations  many inspired by the success of the Court. The sixth reign was the first to publish a revolving community calendar and court schedule. This reign also was the first to produce a cohesive mailing list and mailed out minutes of its meetings to interested individuals. Christi and Mark exceeded 200 meetings/events etc during their reign. They were the first monarchs to organize a candlelight march around the State Capitol. The 6th Reign maintained an ongoing relationship with the bars and businesses by going to monthly meetings with the Tavern Guild in order to work together.

The lines of succession were also a very visible and busy part of the sixth reign. For the Empress, there was as Princess Royale, Tammi Lynn Noel; as Crown Princess, Rae Bobian, as Queen Mother (for life) Pearl DeVere; as Grand Duchess, Sonja Ozi; as Czarina, Miski; and as Baroness, Judy. On the Emperors line there was Prince Royale, Ray Allen; Grand Duke, Gary Edwards; Crown Prince, Kenny McDonald; King Father for Life, Roger Dent, and Baron, Rick Linnane.

Christi appointed Lud Vallani as High Priestess to the Court for Life and Mark appointed Rick Linnane as Baron for Life.

The stepping down, An International Leather and Rhinestone Fantasy held for the 1st time at the Regency Hotel on April 26, 1980, was magnificent, and set the stage for the seventh reign.