Annals of the Emperors and Empresses of San Francisco: Drew Cutler
Emperor XLI After Norton Drew Cutler, February 24, 2013 — February 22, 2014, shares his story
“Annals of the Absolute Emperors and Empresses of San Francisco” is a collection of interviews from Empress Juanita MORE!, who reached out to over fifty San Francisco’s Emperors After Norton and Absolute Empresses of the Imperial Council of San Francisco (ICSF) — one of the longest-running LGBTQI+ nonprofits in the country — to learn about each of their accomplishments and involvements during their reign.
Drew Cutler came to San Francisco from New York with experience in retail, hospitality, food & beverage, and entertainment, all of which came into play as Emperor of San Francisco. However, brand new to the Court, his natural charm and leadership skills attracted new members and added fresh excitement to established events. Drew was committed to returning the Emperor title to its masculine roots, gathering a posse of dedicated Leather men in his entourage.
He is remembered for doing things differently, for example, using a slick music video as his introduction on stage at Coronation. Drew and his Empress Patty McGroin traveled to many out-of-town Coronations, always impressing everyone with their costuming, friendliness, and energy.
I reached out to Drew to learn more about their accomplishments and involvement during their reign.
Juanita MORE!: What year was your reign as Emperor?
Drew Cutler: February 24, 2013 — February 22, 2014
JM!: What led you to run for Emperor?
DC: Working as a bartender at one of the most popular Castro bars (The Edge) brought me into contact with many Imperial Family members. They seemed to be having a great time raising lots of money for charity, so I started joining in. One of my favorite drag queens said she would be running for Empress, so I jumped in to run for Emperor. Regrettably, she changed her mind and did not run, but I stuck with my word and ran with the support of a handful of friends and won resoundingly.
JM!: What was your proudest accomplishment?
DC: I think I am most proud of two things. First, my Empress and I and our Court raised a lot of money during our reign, money that made a difference for local charitable causes. And we brought in new members to the Court, many of whom knew as little about the group’s history as I did, but they made it possible to raise all that money, and they were anxious to introduce new ideas. One of those new members went on to become Emperor a few years later (Kevin Lisle).
JM!: What nonprofits did you support during your reign?
DC:
JM!: What are your hopes for the future of the Court?
The Imperial Council of San Francisco is an organization with such a great history, and wide-reaching membership, the current state of affairs is not so promising. Unless the “old guard” can welcome new blood and new ideas with enthusiasm, this institution is going to fade away. Jose Sarria, the Founder, died during our reign, but I met her and remembered her encouragement. As much as she loved talking history, she welcomed new members and wanted the organization to grow. I know a handful of current Imperials in whom I put a lot of hope that they will come out of a low period and find new purpose, recognition, and worth.
To learn more about the Imperial Council of San Francisco, visit imperialcouncilsf.org. Please visit the Imperial Council of San Francisco’s website to donate to the reigning Monarchs Charity Fund.
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