Annals of the Emperors and Empresses of San Francisco: William Bulkley
Emperor XLVIII After Norton William Bulkley, February 23, 2020 — April 24, 2021, tells 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.
William Bulkley became Emperor XLVIII of San Francisco, After Norton, in April 2021 after reigning in the Court of the Majestic Golden Gate for fourteen months during the Covid-19 pandemic. His past Imperial Court of San Francisco titles include Imperial Crown Prince in the Court of Tamales con Pollo and Mr. Golden Gate 2017 for the United Court of Love and Friendship.
Bill is a registered landscape architect in the state of California. He works for the City and County of San Francisco, Department of Public Works. He was a board president of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association from 2011 to 2013 completing eight years with that organization. Bill received a dual Master’s Degree from UC Berkeley in Landscape Architecture and City and Regional Planning with an emphasis in Urban Design.
Bill is married to the award-winning photographer, Gareth Gooch. In their spare time, they love gardening in their back yard, hiking the beautiful terrain of Northern California, viewing amazing art and architecture on their many travels around the world, and seeking out the wild and wonderfully creative community we have in San Francisco.
I reached out to William to learn more about their accomplishments and involvement during their reign.
Juanita MORE!: What year was your reign as Emperor?
William Bulkley: February 23, 2020 — April 24, 2021
JM!: What led you to run for Emperor?
WB: I truly believe in the history and tradition of the Imperial Court of San Francisco, and I wanted to offer my help to uphold this tradition for the organization. As one of the longest continuously operating non-profit organizations in the world, the Imperial Court has assisted so many in need. I felt I could be useful in raising funds and awareness of LGBTQ+ causes in the long tradition of the Imperial Court. I was interested in helping move the court towards being more open and accessible to a broader audience. I hoped to uphold the standing of the Court by volunteering with other LGBTQ+ organizations in hopes the collaboration might have attracted interested parties into the Court.
JM!: What was your proudest accomplishment?
WB: In a very unusual year, I had many proud accomplishments. Our court proposed and established the first gender non-conforming title in the San Francisco Court family. We pivoted during the covid-19 pandemic to online fundraising including the first online court auctions. I was very proud of helping with food banks and distributing food throughout San Francisco for those who were suffering shortages. I was proud of being visible and present in the community, with proper cautions against the pandemic, to keep the Imperial Court in the mind of the community. I was very proud of being sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during my reign. Ultimately, while not a record-breaking number, I was proud of raising over $50,000 for non-profit organizations during the initial stage of the pandemic and world economic crisis.
JM!: What nonprofits did you support during your reign?
WB:
- SF Night Ministry
- Aguilas / El Ambiente
- El/La Para Trans Latinas
- The Transgender District
- The San Francisco Marin Food Bank
- Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc.
- Larkin Street Youth Services
JM!: What are your hopes for the future of the Court?
I am very encouraged by the current reign of the Court of More is More! and their majesties, Emperor Mr. David Glamamore and Empress Juanita More. These two icons of San Francisco bring a fresh approach to the Imperial Court. My hope is that they will use their great influence to bring young, fresh, creative courtesans into the fold who will hold onto tradition while seeking out new ways to build community and raise funds and awareness for the LGBTQ+ family for many years to come.
To keep up with William’s work, you can follow the Emperor After Norton on his social media handles:
Facebook @william.bulkley.50
Instagram @williambulkleysf
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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