The Marjorie Luke Theatre, in partnership with Pacific Pride Foundation, will show the award-winning documentary “50 Years of Fabulous: The Story of the Imperial Council,” 6:30-9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, at The Marjorie Luke Theatre.
The event serves as the official kickoff to Santa Barbara’s Pride Week celebration.
“50 Years of Fabulous” chronicles the history of one of the world’s oldest and most influential LGBTQ+ organizations.
The film follows the Imperial Council’s evolution from creating safe spaces and building community in San Francisco to becoming a powerful force for equality, advocacy, and charitable giving throughout North America, organizers said.
“Aside from the Imperial Court story, the film is also an important retrospective of queer life evolving from the early 1960s to present day,” they said.
For more than five decades, the Imperial Council has combined pageantry, philanthropy, activism, and community service to strengthen LGBTQ+ communities while raising millions of dollars for charitable causes.
Through personal stories and historical perspectives, “50 Years of Fabulous” celebrates Jose Sarria, the founder of The Imperial Council whose vision and dedication transformed countless lives and continues to inspire future generations.
“As the kickoff event to Santa Barbara’s Pride Week, the screening invites audiences of all backgrounds to reflect on the progress that has been made while recognizing the importance of preserving LGBTQ+ history and supporting the ongoing pursuit of equality and civil rights,” organizers said
The Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus will open the show. Following the film there will be a discussion with David Lassman “Chablis,” the film’s producer and 36th Empress of San Francisco’s Imperial Court, along with representatives from Pacific Pride Foundation.
The evening will also feature social justice warrior, activist and performer Afrika America, the Absolute Empress 60 also of San Francisco’s Imperial Court.
For tickets, visit luketheatre.org.
Pacific Pride Foundation is the Central Coast’s leading LGBTQ+ center, providing advocacy, education, health services, and community-building programs that promote a healthy, safe, and inclusive society for LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV.