Linda Simpson Reports from the Night of 1,000 Gowns!

Our intrepid New York WOW correspondent Linda Simpson was at the 30th annual Night of 1,000 Gowns over the weekend and had this to say about the black tie dinner, dance and coronation ball which has raised millions of dollars for worthy LGBT and HIV/AIDS-related causes:

The tourists in Times Square really had something to gawk at last night as a cavalcade of bejeweled drag queens descended on the Marriott Marquis for the 30th annual “Night of 1,000 Gowns.” Sponsored by the Imperial Court of New York (which raises money for LGBT causes), the event is a trés formal affair, including a dinner, performances, speeches, and an opulent crowning of the new emperor and empress. All the pomp and circumstances can be a bit overwhelming, but the glammed-out attendees are what really make the party (including some who looked like they would have been subjects for photographer Diane Arbus in the 1960s). Also, in a modern touch, the new empress, Sugar B. Real, is a biological woman! She and Emperor Fredd E Tree will spend their next 12 months attending scores of court-related events all over North America and helping raise money for various charities. Who needs Trump, Hillary, etc. when we already have our own fabulous monarchy!

Top pic: New empress, Sugar B. Real