Michael
first became involved with The Imperial Court of Nebraska
in 1996 during Reign 16. The following year he was
elected to the Board of Governors and has served many
positions such as, President, Treasurer, Assistant
Treasurer and Coronation Chairman. Michael was nominated
and served as Prince Royal for Reign 18. In 1999 he
was elected Emperor 19; that year he and his Empress
Laura Lee Lyons raised in excess of $30,000 for The
Imperial Court of Nebraska. In July of 2004, Michael
was appointed Regent Emperor 24 to reign with Empress
24 Crystal Delight. What a year it was for them raising
over $37,000. Between November and December, alone,
with the help of their Royal Families they raised
over $15,000 for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Since
becoming involved with The Imperial Court of Nebraska,
Michael has traveled to over 70 Coronations across
the United States and Canada. He considers the highlight
of his travels attending The 40th Anniversary Coronation
of the Mother Court in San Francisco. Michael has
been awarded many titles and awards throughout the
court system; he has received numerous Emperor to
Emperor and Empress to Emperor Awards as well as being
named the recipient of The Imperial Court of Nebraska
Golden Scroll for Reign 20.
In
2002, Michael founded The Laura Lee Lyons PWA Assistance
Fund to honor his first Empress, Laura Lee Lyons.
This fund provides financial assistance to Nebraska
PWA's for expenses not covered by National and State
Programs such as housing, personal care needs and
medications. This fund is a shining tribute to Laura
Lee Lyons, Empress 5 and 19 of The Imperial Court
of Nebraska.
Michael's
involvement in the Nebraska GLBT community is definitely
not limited to The Imperial Court of Nebraska. Michael
has been involved in Nebraska PRIDE activities and
has often served as a Judge for many of the local
pageants and contests. He is a two time winner of
the prestigious Miss Max Symbol of Excellence Award
and is also a past Mr. Omaha Mining Company. He regularly
volunteers at The Nebraska Aids Project helping to
provide meals for its clients.
Since
2003 The Ribbon Foundation (a local foundation which
provides research funding and financial assistance
to individuals afflicted with AIDS and/or Breast Cancer)
has produced The Miss Merry Christmas Pageant, Michael
was the very first winner of the pageant with his
other persona Miss Holly Day, during his reign he
raised over $1000 for the cause and has since remained
involved helping to promote and produce the yearly
pageant along with their other activities. Michael
was also crowned Miss Gay Omaha in 2005 and in 2007
was named Grand Marshal for the Nebraska Pride Parade.
Michael/Holly also received an award for best costume
design and Entertainer of the Year in a newer contest
called, The Best of Gay Omaha. The highlight of Holly's
drag career was to capture the prestigious title of
Miss MAX 24 in 2008.
A
caring and generous man, Michael is a true asset to
the Nebraska/Omaha GLBT Community. His sense of dedication
and commitment goes far beyond the cause as it comes
from his heart.
