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The Jose Honors was founded in 1997 by Empress Nicole the Great, as a tribute to Empress Jose and to ensure that her legacy lives on for a very long time. This is the highest award given to members of the International Courts System for outstanding accomplishments within the Courts System and in the larger community they live in. Each year, the Jose Honors also recognizes an individual member Court for outstanding service.

The first Jose Honors was held in San Diego, which sets the tone for all subsequent awards dinner. Empress Nicole commissioned a local gay artist to create a bust in honor of Empress Jose, which served as the award presented to recipients of this prestigious honor. As the first Host Committee, The Imperial Court de San Diego underwrote the cost of producing the busts and medallions, for the first several awards ceremonies. The Jose Honors is traditionally held on the Friday before the coronation of the host Court and is always a formal dinner event.

Empress Nicole appointed past Heir Apparent Empress Jessica St. John of Dallas, Texas as the first President of the Jose Honors Board of Governors, and several other Heirs as members of the Board. The Jose Honors Board of Governors was established as an independent committee under the tutelage of Empress Nicole as Founder; and the International Court Council serves as the fiscal sponsor of the awards. The function of the Board of Governors is to organize and facilitate the nomination process, and serve as liaison with the Host Court. They also ensure that the tradition of the Jose Honors is maintained at the highest standard possible. The final selections of the Jose Honorees are the sole responsibility of Empress Nicole, in consultation with Empress Jose. Empress Coco LaChine took over as President of the Board in 2001 and continues to serve on this position. In 2004, due to the high cost of producing the awards dinner and to maintain the prestigious nature of the Jose Honors, it was decided that the Jose Honors will be presented every two years.

Awards Dinner Information
February 24, 2012
San Francisco, CA

Founder
Empress Nicole the Great

JoséHonors
Board of Governors
Chairman:
Empress Crystal Rae Lee Love

Past José Honors
Award Recipients

On behalf of the Queen Mother of the Americas, Empress Nicole the Great, I am pleased to announce that nominations for the 2012 Jose' Honors are now being accepted. The Jose' Honors was founded in 1997 by Empress Nicole the Great, as a tribute to Empress Jose' and to ensure that her legacy lives on for a very long time. This is the highest award given to members of the International Courts System for outstanding accomplishments within the Courts System and in the larger community they live in. Each year, the Jose' Honors also recognizes an individual member Court for outstanding service. Past recipients of this prestigious award include a veritable who's who in the International Court System.

The Jose' Honors Board of Governors requests that each member of the ICS seriously consider the nomination of your peers for this distinct honor. Any member of the Court community is eligible to be nominated for this honor, regardless of peerage. You can see a complete list of past recipients here.

Nominations must include all of the following:
• A detailed biography of the nominee including Court and community service, recognitions, accomplishments and awards.
• Contact information for the nominee and those submitting the nomination, including email addresses.
• A publish-ready quality photo (head shot) of the nominee. Image must be of high resolution (300 DPI) and scanned in jpeg or tiff format.
• At least five letters of commendation supporting the nomination.
• Letters can be from individuals or groups.
• Prior nominees must have a new nomination packet submitted for consideration.

Nominations for the Court of Distinction must include the following:
• A brief history of the Court including accomplishments in the areas of fundraising, education, community outreach and services, programs (scholarships, grants, etc) and volunteer services.
• The nomination should also include a list of honors, awards and commendations received.
• A list of the governing board and primary contact information, including email address.
• A copy of the articles of incorporation and a current copy of the tax exempt/charitable organization status (or its equivalent).
• A clear, high resolution image of the Court logo/seal in jpeg or tiff format.
• Prior nominees must have a new nomination packet submitted for consideration.

Deadline for submission is October 31, 2011. Nominations received after the deadline of October 31, 2011 will not be considered for the 2012 Jose' Honors. We encourage you to submit your nominations as soon as possible. Please include an email address of a primary contact person, so that we can confirm receipt of your nomination packet.

Nomination packets may be emailed to me, rusty77056@gmail.com; however, you must also mail a printed copy (or CD) of all materials, including photos and logos, to:

All nominations will be reviewed by the Jose' Honors Board of Governors for eligibility and recommendations. All nominations are then forwarded to Empress I Jose', the Widow Norton, and Empress Nicole the Great for final review and selection of the recipients of the 2012 Jose' Honors.

Your prompt attention and consideration in the nomination process is vital to the recognition of those heroes in the International Court System, as well as the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities we serve.

I would like to thank the Imperial Council of San Francisco for hosting the awards dinner which will take place on Friday, February 24, 2012. Additional information regarding the awards dinner will be forthcoming.

Please feel free to email this page to your respective court group lists so everyone has a chance to read it and participate in the process.