OURS IN THE USA at the Grand Coronation 56 – a Landmark LGBTQI+ Ceremony in Los Angeles
On November 16, the President of the Board of Directors of OURS IN THE USA, Dmitrii Tur, attended CORONATION 56: The OzDust Ball, the annual coronation ceremony of the Imperial Court of Los Angeles & Hollywood, one of the oldest and most influential LGBTQI+ charitable institutions in North America.
Emperor Eugene Maysky, Empress 56 Lucinda Rear, and OURS IN THE USA President Dmitrii Tur
The event became one of the most notable celebrations of the season. The grand ceremony, presented in the traditional Imperial Court style, brought together representatives of local nonprofits, partner organizations, municipal departments, artists, drag performers, activists, and community allies. The evening featured vibrant performances, polished stage numbers, and ceremonial elements of royal protocol that define the unique atmosphere of the annual coronation.
The presence of OURS IN THE USA at Coronation 56 highlighted the ongoing effort to integrate the Russian-speaking LGBTQI+ community into the cultural and civic life of Los Angeles and to strengthen collaboration with the city’s historical LGBTQI+ institutions.
Founded in 1965, the Imperial Court System combines traditional drag pageantry and ceremonial titles with substantial charitable work. Despite its camp aesthetics and structure of titles such as Emperor, Empress, Prince, and Princess, the organization raises tens of thousands of dollars annually to support local, national, and international humanitarian initiatives. The Court remains inclusive and open to people of diverse identities and forms of self-expression.
A significant role at the event was played by Emperor Eugene Maysky, who participated in Coronation 56 in his official capacity. Eugene Maysky is the first Russian Emperor in the history of the Imperial Court System. Born in Russia, he lived and studied in Saint Petersburg and Paris before moving to Los Angeles to rebuild his life. He was elected Emperor 49 of Los Angeles and Hollywood, and later received the title again as Emperor 52.
Today, he serves as the Emperor and Vice President of the Executive Board of the Imperial Court of Los Angeles & Hollywood, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of OURS IN THE USA, making the cooperation between our organizations both natural and meaningful.
Dmitrii Tur’s presence at Coronation 56 represents an important step in strengthening partnerships between OURS IN THE USA and the leading cultural and social LGBTQI+ institutions in the city. Events like this create new opportunities for future collaboration and help increase the visibility of Russian-speaking migrants within the civic life of Los Angeles.
