Henry Bastos-Wood (AKA H.G.Duke Harrington)

“30th Anniversary Pearl Jubilee Show”

Henry Bastos-Wood, or better known by “The Imperial Court of New York”, as H.G. Duke Harrington, along with Robin Kradles, will be presenting a charity event, at “The Ritz”, on April 9th at 7pm, entitled, “30th Anniversary Pearl Jubilee Show”. The showcase promises to be a night of Glitz and Glam, remembering 30 years of ICNY’s service to the community, benefiting “The ICNY/Coco Lachine Scholarship Fund”. There will be a Happy Hour from 6 to 10, with raffles, auctions, light refreshments, and entertainment.
Get Out spoke to Henry about the court, the event, and other topics of interest.

So H.G. Duke Harrington, how do you get your royal names?
You pick your name when you become a member of the court, and then you start earning your title, by the different tasks you do for The Court. You start by becoming a Lord, then a Baron, ….until you finally become ” Prince Royal”.

Henry tell me about your event.
The event that I’m having is going to be this April 9th, at The Ritz. Doors open at 6 pm, and the show starts at 7. It’s going to be a show to follow up our 30th Anniversary of “Night of A Thousand Gowns”, but this is going to be on a more intimate level, and opened to the public as well. There will be a little recognition for the past Monarchs of the last 30 years, of the ICNY. I’m doing this event with Robin Kradles. It’s a charity event, we are going to have raffles, special auction items, and members from The Imperial Court of New York performing. This going to be my first event for the new Monarchs, Tree and Sugar B Real.

Henry, what made you join the court?
The first time I participated in a court event, I was a volunteer for the silent auction. It was an amazing experience. Madison Mansfield, was the one who invited me. I’ve been a part of the court now for almost 5 years. I’ve been earning my levels little by little, by helping the community, and by raising money for different charities, performing, etc.

I hear your husband in the background. Is he a part of the court?
He just joined. He’s Lord Chesterfield.

Where are you from Henry?
Originally I’m from Costa Rica. I came here 21 years ago.

What do you enjoy most about being a part of the ICNY?
The first thing is meeting people. Being part of the court is the ultimate experience for me, traveling throughout the country meeting so many amazing people. This is how Billy and I met, my husband. The International Court system has been helping people for 50 years. I’ve been learning a lot, in so many ways, which motivates me to push myself more, to really help the community. I focus a lot on the LGBT youth, because they need it the most. This is very exciting, and it comes from the heart.

One last question, what do you think about Gary Cosgrove retiring as President of the court?
Gary has been a very strong person for “The Imperial Court of New York”, and a big asset. It’s very painful and hurtful that he is leaving. I hope his successor will move on in the same level as the way he has been doing it for the last 10 years. Gary has done, so, so much, his time is “timeless”. I’ve learned from him, taken good advice from him, a lot of words from him were good. It’s very sad to see him leave.