While chatting over a cup of coffee in Lincoln, Nebraska, a group of gentlemen began discussion of forming a group who would educate and support GLBT causes throughout the state. After many long hours of pencil pushing and comparing notes, the Imperial Court of Nebraska was established on July 15, 1980.

Gary West and Dolly stepped up to the plate as the first Emperor and Empress of the court.  Don Randolph who had first sat on the throne as Regent 1, took the ICON name to Washington D.C. as he and others lobbied Senators and Congressmen after they took a major donation toward the first national vigil for what would become known as AIDS.  In the early years fund-raising efforts were directed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, however it would not be long before HIV/AIDS hit the Midwest and the focus of ICON’s fund raising would be redirected. During Reign 3, Emperor Ken Dillard and Empress Toadie Lee Marvelous would become the driving force behind the battle against HIV/AIDS. Their efforts would lead to the creation of the Nebraska AIDS Project which remains a strong support system for persons affected by HIV/AIDS across the state of Nebraska.

In 1985, the members of ICON felt the need to take their voice to the streets of Omaha. With the help of reigning Monarchs Gary West and Laura Lee, the first PRIDE Parade marched through the town. While the event was small and noticed by very few, their determination to be seen and heard today is an annual event known as Nebraska Gay PRIDE, a three day event bringing in thousands of participants from across the country.

The Court continued to evolve over the next few years expanding their fund-raising efforts to include the American Cancer Society, Pediatric AIDS Research, Family Pride Coalition, Metropolitan Community Church, and the River City Gender Alliance to name a few.   The Imperial Court was instrumental in bringing the GLBT Community together.  Early in its history  ICON involved women by electing a third monarch from the Lesbian Community.  The Athena title was later retired and Athenas retitled as Emperor or Empress.  In reign 13 the first woman was elected Emperor. 

During her second term as Empress, Phoenix Fallentino made a strong push in the area of education and the ICON Foundation was formed. The Board of Governors for the Foundation, a 501C3 affiliation of the Imperial Court of Nebraska, would administer the Iris Phoenix Scholarship Fund which was presented to self-identified or the children of self-identified gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgendered members from Nebraska who wished to further their live in an institute of higher learning. Since its inception, the Iris Phoenix Scholarship Fund has awarded over $30,000 and has expanded to include those within the community who may not live within our state, but choose to move here for educational purposes.

In 1996, with the battle against HIV/AIDS still on the front burner, ICON once again stepped up their efforts and with the assistance of Emperor Jeff McKenzie and Empress Sharon Van Butsel and members of their Royal Family, began serving luncheons to the clients of the Nebraska AIDS Project. This would become a requirement of future Royal Families as ICON continued to grow and increase its community involvement.

Throughout these earlier years, the Imperial Court of Nebraska would expand in many directions through fund-raising efforts and creation of charitable events. P-FLAG, Rainbow Outreach Resource Center, the NAMES Project and the Nebraska Humane Society would be added to our list of charitable organizations. Food 4 Thought and Toyz 4 Totz would become annual events raising money to purchase food vouchers and toys for children effected by HIV/AIDS. A Memorial Day Picnic is held annually as a way to bring the community together and a means for aspiring monarchs to campaign for their seat as Emperor or Empress while a Labor Day Picnic is held as a means to bring an end to the summer months.  The monies raised during many of these events are directed to personal care items for clients of the Nebraska AIDS Project.

In 2005, Empress 21 and President of the Board of Governors, And More, realized the Imperial Court of Nebraska needed to update many of the original Articles of Incorporation and Standard Operating Procedures which governed the organization. With the help of reigning Monarchs Lana Caine and Dan Knobbe and the Board of Governors from both the Imperial Court of Nebraska, Inc and the ICON Foundation, the Imperial Court of Nebraska, Inc was dissolved and the ICON Foundation established a higher cause making the Imperial Court of Nebraska a fully functioning 501C3 organization within the state of Nebraska. From that point on, the Imperial Court of Nebraska continued to grow electing two heterosexual Empresses, Michele Korman and Misty Stokes and setting yearly records in fundraising. 

Since the early years when the Imperial Court of Nebraska was nothing more than a bunch of notes scribbled on a napkin to its growth as the largest GLBTS charitable organization within the state of Nebraska, the purpose has remained the same. As clearly stated in our Mission Statement: Through fundraising, we educate and support those in need within the GLBTS community throughout Nebraska and our realm.

Accomplishments:

• Instrumental in the founding of the Nebraska AIDS Project
• Instrumental in the founding of Nebraska Gay PRIDE
• Assisted in the creation of Night of 1,000 Stars Benefit
• Creation of Michele’s Fund to assist with HIV medication co-pays
• Numerous awards for Community Service
• Certificate of Recognition from the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force

Fundraising:

• Annual Memorial Day Picnic
• Annual Labor Day Picnic – Benefit for Nebraska AIDS Project – Client personal care items
• Annual Food 4 Thought – Benefit for Nebraska AIDS Project – Client food vouchers
• Annual Toyz 4 Totz – Benefit for Nebraska AIDS Project – Toys for children affected by HIV/AIDS
• Numerous Charity Events to benefit P-FLAG,  Iris Phoenix  Scholarship Fund, Michele’s Fund,
  Matthew Shepherd Fund, Proud Horizons Youth Group, Nebraska Humane Society,  Rainbow
  Outreach Resource Center, Heartland Gay Rodeo Association, Nebraska Gay PRIDE, Diamond
  Foundation, Camp Kindle, Ice Bowl, The Trevor Project, Casa de Nicole, Martin Luther King
  Memorial

Education/Programs:

• Work with Nebraska AIDS Project to promote safe sex practices
• Iris Phoenix Scholarship Fund

Outreach/Volunteer Services:

• Monthly luncheons for clients of Nebraska AIDS Project
• Assist with planning of Proud Horizons Youth Group Annual Prom
• Shopping for Personal Care Items for clients of Nebraska AIDS Project