The Marjorie Luke Theatre, in partnership with Pacific Pride Foundation, will show the award-winning documentary film “50 Years of Fabulous: The Story of the Imperial Council,” Tuesday, Aug. 18 at The Marjorie Luke.

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 force for equality, advocacy, and charitable giving throughout North America.

“Aside from the Imperial Court story, the film is also an important retrospective of queer life evolving from the early 1960s to present day,” organizers 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, the film celebrates Jose Sarria, founder of The Imperial Council whose vision and dedication transformed countless lives and continues to inspire future generations, event organizers said.

As the start 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 will be a discussion with its producer and 36th Empress of San Francisco’s Imperial Council, David Lassman (Chablis), 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 Council.

Tickets can be purchased at luketheatre.org.