H.M.I.S.M. Regent Emperor XXXIV and H.I.M. Emperor XXIII, XVIII and XIV, Tony Monteleone of the Imperial Court of New York—known as “the Triple Crowned”—embraces his role as a profound responsibility rooted in legacy, service and activism far beyond ceremonial pageantry. In a time marked by political tension and ongoing challenges to LGBTQ+ rights, his reign is defined by visibility, compassion and purposeful leadership, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary queer expression. As the Court celebrates its 40th anniversary, Monteleone honors its origins in activism and philanthropy while advancing initiatives that support youth, healthcare and community well-being. Through programs like Hearts and Voices and partnerships with organizations such as PFLAG NYC and the Tyler Clementi Foundation, his leadership reflects a deep commitment to unity, mentorship and meaningful impact—ensuring the Court remains a vibrant force for joy, justice and change.
As Emperor, what does this title represent to you personally, and how are you defining your reign in today’s cultural climate?
For me, the title of Emperor is far more than ceremonial—it’s a responsibility to honor a legacy that began in 1965 and to carry it forward with purpose. It represents service, visibility and a deep commitment to community that extends well beyond the stage. Being honored to serve as Emperor of the Imperial Court of New York for the fourth time is something I hold with immense gratitude. I’m thankful for the trust placed in me, and I don’t take lightly the history behind the crown or the generations of leaders who built what we stand on today.
We are living in a deeply political moment, and much of the current administration stands in direct opposition to the core of who I am and what I believe in. That reality doesn’t discourage me—it fuels me. It strengthens my commitment to lead with authenticity, to amplify voices that are too often unheard, and to ensure the Imperial Court remains not only a space of celebration, but also a force for meaningful change.
Our mission of humor, heart and humanitarianism feels more urgent than ever. Yes, we need joy—but we also need action. I see this reign as an opportunity to bridge tradition with urgency: to honor our past while actively responding to the present. Whether through philanthropy, advocacy or simply showing up for our community, I want my time as Emperor to reflect leadership rooted in compassion, resilience and a steadfast belief that visibility and kindness still have the power to move us forward.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Imperial Court of New York City. What does reaching four decades of service, activism and pageantry mean to you and to the community at large?
Reaching 40 years is both a celebration and a testament to the resilience of our community. The Imperial Court of New York was born during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, when I was in college in NYC—a time of fear, loss and activism. From its earliest days, the Court has been more than pageantry; it has been a lifeline, a platform and a powerful engine for change. To be part of this milestone, especially during my reign, is profoundly meaningful. It’s a chance to honor the leaders, performers and advocates who came before us, and to recognize the generations that have sustained and evolved this institution.
For the community at large, this anniversary represents continuity, strength and hope. Even in the face of adversity, the Court has built an enduring institution that gives back. Over the decades, it has raised millions of dollars for organizations providing critical services—from healthcare to housing to community support—and that impact cannot be overstated.
At the same time, 40 years is not just about looking back—it’s about looking forward. In today’s political climate, where progress is continually challenged, it reminds us that our work is far from finished. This milestone reinforces the responsibility to lead with intention, inclusivity and visibility. It challenges us to ask how we grow, how we stay relevant and how we continue to meet the needs of a diverse LGBTQ+ community. For me, it’s both an honor and a call to action: to celebrate the legacy, serve our people, and ensure that the Court continues to be a force for joy, justice and meaningful change.
With this season embracing a Bridgerton-inspired theme, how are you balancing regal tradition with contemporary queer expression?
This season’s Bridgerton-inspired theme is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the elegance and grandeur of royal tradition while infusing it with the creativity, boldness and diversity that define our community today. The Imperial Court has always been about more than pageantry—it’s about storytelling, visibility and the freedom to express oneself fully.
I approach this balance by honoring the formalities and rituals that give the Court its history and structure, while simultaneously encouraging individuality and contemporary queer artistry. Whether through fashion, performance or personal presentation, we are creating a space where tradition meets transformation. It’s about taking the elegance of the past—rooted in a legacy that began in the 1960s and was strengthened through the AIDS crisis of the 1980s—and reimagining it through a modern, inclusive lens. In doing so, we showcase that regality and queer expression are not only compatible, but together, they shine even brighter.
Ultimately, this fusion allows the Court to remain both relevant and inspiring. It celebrates the legacy we inherit while boldly embracing the vibrant, evolving future of our community, reminding us that joy, artistry and activism can coexist in every crown, performance and gesture of leadership.
The Imperial Court has long been rooted in philanthropy. What charitable initiatives are you prioritizing during your reign and why?
Philanthropy has always been at the heart of the Imperial Court’s mission, and during my reign, I’m focused on initiatives that address both immediate and long-term needs in our community. This year, we are proud to have two incredible beneficiaries for our Night of a Thousand Gowns events: the Ball will benefit PFLAG NYC, and our other events will support the Tyler Clementi Foundation. Both organizations embody the values of visibility, advocacy and support that are central to the Court’s work.
More broadly, I’m prioritizing efforts that support LGBTQ+ youth, healthcare access, and organizations providing essential services such as housing, mental health support and HIV/AIDS care. These are areas where vulnerability and disparities remain high and where our impact can be truly transformative.
I also believe in connecting fundraising efforts with meaningful visibility—showcasing the people and causes we support so the community sees that their contributions create tangible change. For me, philanthropy isn’t just about raising money; it’s about building relationships, empowering organizations and ensuring that the Court continues to be a force for real-world impact. Every event, every campaign, every dollar raised reflects our ongoing commitment to compassion, service and the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Court carries a powerful history of activism, particularly during pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history. How do you ensure that legacy remains alive and relevant for a new generation?
Keeping the Court’s history alive means making it visible, tangible and actionable. My own journey began as a member of GLYNY (Gay and Lesbian Youth of New York) at the Center in the early 1980s. I took a deep interest in learning about our history, literature and entertainment to understand where we came from. Through that, I discovered the incredible work of our founder, José Sarria, and learned firsthand how he led our movement forward. I was blessed to be friends with Bill and Sam, who knew José personally and shared their experiences with me, which gave me a living connection to our roots.
Mentorship, collaborative events and intentional programming allow new generations to see that activism isn’t just history; it’s a living, evolving responsibility. It’s also why it’s so important for younger LGBTQ+ people and allies to join organizations like the Imperial Court of New York—to continue our mission, honor our history, and carry forward the fight for our rights, especially in times when governing administrations may not fully support our communities. History has a habit of repeating itself, and we must always be ready to support each other and stand together.
My goal is to ensure the Court remains a bridge between past achievements and present-day action, inspiring young people to carry our legacy forward in ways that are meaningful for their time, while embracing contemporary challenges, diversity and the creative energy of today’s LGBTQ+ community.
In a time when LGBTQ+ rights continue to face challenges, what role does the Emperor play beyond ceremony and celebration?
Beyond ceremony, the Emperor serves as an advocate, a connector and a visible supporter for the community. The role is about leveraging the platform of the Court to raise awareness, amplify marginalized voices and support organizations doing critical work on the front lines. Whether through fundraising, public advocacy or personal mentorship, the Emperor embodies the Court’s mission in action—reminding the world that leadership in our community is about presence, accountability and impact.
A program that is particularly close to my heart is Hearts and Voices, which we have carried out since my first reign over 20 years ago. This initiative takes the Imperial Court into hospices, nursing homes, SAGE NY, and many other spaces, where we perform, give needed items, help fundraise and bring awareness. One of my fondest memories is the Court performing at my mother’s nursing home, Providence Rest in the Bronx, run by the Archdiocese of New York. It was incredible to see the nuns, staff and residents enjoy what we brought to them. The look on my mother’s face was priceless—now that she is gone, it still brings a tear to my eye. Moments like that are why the role of Emperor extends far beyond ceremony: it is about human connection and meaningful service.
In today’s political climate, where progress is continually challenged, this role takes on even greater significance. It’s a call to be proactive, to speak up when rights are under threat and to ensure that the Court remains a beacon for visibility, justice and empowerment. Leadership as Emperor is not just symbolic; it is about showing up consistently for our community, modeling resilience and helping the next generation see that they, too, can carry this work forward.
How do you define leadership within the Court—is it more symbolic, strategic, emotional or all of the above?
Leadership in the Court is absolutely all of the above. There is symbolism in the crown, but it only carries meaning when paired with strategy, empathy and a clear vision for the community. It’s about setting a tone, making tough decisions, fostering collaboration and inspiring others to step into their own power.
Emotional intelligence is key—listening, understanding and connecting with people across generations and backgrounds ensures that leadership is not just about the title, but about cultivating unity and driving meaningful change. For me, leadership as Emperor is also about showing up consistently, bridging our history with the present and empowering the next generation to carry forward our mission of visibility, and service.
What has been the most moving or defining moment of your journey to the throne?
The most moving moments for me have always been the quiet, personal interactions—listening to community members share their stories of struggle, resilience and hope. Those moments reaffirm why this role matters and remind me that the title of Emperor is not about me; it’s about the people I serve.
Some of my most cherished memories include performing through the Hearts and Voices program at Rivington House, a hospice, and hearing from someone at SAGE whose partner had passed but who still remembered the kind words I shared and the care we brought through our visits. Preparing and serving meals at Trinity Place Shelter, which supports LGBTQ+ homeless youth, has also been deeply moving. I’m continually inspired by the amazing straight women who are members of the Court and give so much of themselves for our community.
Every handshake, every conversation and every act of trust has shaped my leadership and deepened my commitment to serving with compassion, integrity and heart. As I reflect on these experiences, they bring tears to my eyes and fill my heart, reminding me why this role—and the Court itself—remains so vital.
How do you foster unity within such a diverse and multi-generational community?
Unity comes from creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued and heard. Our community is wonderfully diverse, spanning identities, experiences and generations, and I believe that honoring that diversity is the foundation of cohesion.
I prioritize dialogue, collaboration and mentorship—encouraging different voices to contribute while emphasizing the shared values that bring us together. Programs like Hearts and Voices, mentoring young LGBTQ+ leaders, and our annual Christmas in July event, which benefits Housing Works / Bailey House and supports LGBTQ+ youth, help bridge gaps and create shared experiences across generations. Connecting older members who carry the history of our movement with newer generations fosters understanding, respect and a sense of shared purpose. When people feel included and valued, unity naturally follows, strengthening the Court as both a family and a force for meaningful impact.
When history looks back on your reign during this landmark 40th year, what do you hope it will say about your impact as Emperor?
I hope it will reflect a reign defined by compassion, purpose and action—one that honored the Court’s history while boldly expanding its reach and relevance. I hope it shows that our work not only celebrated the joy, artistry and pageantry of the Court, but also strengthened the community we serve, leaving a tangible legacy of support, visibility and empowerment.
Most importantly, I hope it demonstrates that our reigns—my reign included—are measured not by the crown we wear, but by the lives we touch and the positive change we create. My reigns have always strived to be an example of the national motto of all our Imperial Courts across the U.S., Canada and Mexico: “From the Heart, through the Court, for the Community.” From mentoring young LGBTQ+ leaders to programs like Hearts and Voices and Christmas in July, every initiative, interaction and act of service is part of a larger commitment to uplift, connect and inspire our community now and for generations to come. For tickets to Night of a Thousand Gowns, go to: https://www.imperialcourtny.com/tickets-2026/
