 The regal couple pose for their official photographs in the State Apartments at Comptons Castle: HGH The Prince Consort, Jason I and HGH Queen Pam Ann I |
Scandalous trolley-dolly Pam Ann will be crowned Queen of the Regal Court of the Knights of Soho in August. Will her proposed 'reign of terror' slap some HIV consciousness back in the butt of London's gay scene? Rose de Freitas finds out what's really going on at the Regal Court
For the uninitiated, the Regal Court of the Knights of Soho (henceforth referred to as the Court) has dispensed over 70 titles to its growing regal family since springing from between the cracks of Old Compton Street last summer.
The Court is a new fundraising venture that stages parties, balls, parades and contests for London's gay community and friends. Get-togethers usually involve large helpings of high camp, a riot of colour, and some much-needed HIV awareness on the side. You buy a regal title or get awarded an honorary one. Monies raised go to HIV charities and deserving causes.
The latest monarch to sign up is none other than the utterly bitchy 'air hostess with the mostest attitude', Pam Ann. She will be crowned Queen of the Court next month. What does the Queen Bitch of the gay cabaret scene have to say about her new reign?
Hail the new Queen Pam Ann I!
"When the Knights of Soho approached me to be their new Queen, I thought 'fantastic idea'! The chance to be accepted as part of royalty in London is just so exciting for me as an Antipodean. I didn't come to it through blood, just straight to the top by title."
We hear yours will be a Reign of Terror, is this true?
"Oooh yes, most definitely." Grand Duke Jason, The Prince Consort-to-be - her other half - at Pam's side for the interview at the State Apartments (above Compton's of Soho) nods in agreement.
 
"Safety is our priority in the air": Pam Ann demonstrates her First Class mile-high service. |
"Terrorism, as you know, is back," commands Pam with a wagging finger. "We want al-Qaida chic...But I will also use every occasion to promote HIV awareness which is part of my role as Queen of the Court. I will spread the news to my subjects. There'll be condoms at the back of everyone's seats on the plane for those who enjoy the Mile High Club. As you well know, safety is our priority in the air."
One of the problems the regal couple experience is finding time to be together. Pam Ann spends a lot of time high in the air.
"Sadly, me and my Prince can't travel together," Pam explains. "Royals must always travel separately in case the plane crashes. Both could never go down at the same time. The realm would be in turmoil."
So how did Pam and Jason meet?
"It was a dark night," recalls queen-to-be Pam with quivering lips. "I was on a stop-over and fell in love with this tall dashing stranger. He told me he was straight, of course. Then it all went horribly wrong when I discovered him in bed with a Bedouin Prince! (And he may not be the only one I suspect). Story of my life really."
Over the coming months, Pam Ann is not only preparing for the coronation chaos, she's also jetslagging off to New York and returning to perform at the Soho Theatre in July. She'll have her new charter airline 'Easy Pam' to promote then too.
Who's behind this high flier anyway?
There's
a real woman behind Pam Ann. Caroline Reid. She describes her involvement with
the gay scene and HIV awareness:
"Back in Melbourne and here too in the UK I have many gay friends. That means I know people living with HIV. And I think that it does freak people out a lot. The worst thing is the seclusion and fear.
"I'm conscious that in London there is less public awareness about HIV. It's much bigger and in your face back in Melbourne. There'll be messages on the back of every toilet cubicle door for instance. Here it's still too undercover. That's why I'm happy to be involved in HIV fundraising and awareness here.
And what's it like to be a straight woman working the gay club circuit?
"People always think I'm a man in drag. And it's a total compliment. Lots of my friends are transsexuals too. I have so many favourite drag queens I can't name them."
When did Pam Ann come into the picture?
"She was born in Melbourne (where Caroline is from). She developed herself at a local club The Lounge and in 1996 I took her to Sydney. It just caught on. The 60s look, the air hostess outfit.
"Caroline wanted to travel the world and Pam Ann took me. Pam started out sweet and surburban, but life has turned her into the bitching international 'trolley dolly on attitude' that she is today!
"My time on the gay scene has been superb. I'm having a ball and the gay community have been the best ever."
The Knights speak
 Regal Court co-founders: HGH, The Prince Regent Neil I (L) and Sir Stephen, The Lord Chancellor |
What about the knights in shining regalia? Are they here to save our gay community from ignorance? Can their brand of fundraising gain support on London's gay scene or further afield? This is what the robust Knights of Soho leaders have to say.
Grand Duke Jason, The Prince Consort-to-be (aka Jason Dickie): "I joined up to the Knights of Soho because I think it's time we put the 'fun' back in fundraising for London's gay community. I've been the proprietor of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern for years. I believe that there is too much complacency and ignorance among young gay men and I see people on the club scene regularly who seem unaware of the risks of HIV. When events are fun and colourful, I think they do make a difference to raise awareness and funds. I'm delighted with my regal role. I liked the idea of dressing up and earning or buying a title for a year and doing camp things. But it's a big responsibility. Setting a good example to all our subjects. Living up to being Pam Ann's regal partner.
And no I don't get a raging hard-on every time I put my regal uniform on! But yes it's true I like to see a man in uniform and... okay I like getting dressed up."
HGH The Prince Regent, Neil I (aka Neil Hodgson): "Since I became landlord at the Comptons of Soho bar I've felt there's been a lack of gay community work in Soho. Which is ludicrous really, because we have such a big gay community here. And Compton's is one of the most successful, most infamous gay bars - if not the oldest - in Europe. Everyone's been there. But no one in the community is working together, especially among the club and bar owners on the gay scene. The gay scene is also very egotistical and it's hard to lever people into doing things that don't directly benefit themselves.
The idea for the name 'Knights of Soho' came from my 30th birthday party held at Comptons. It was a truly opulent affair, long frocks and black ties and I called it an invitation to Knights of Soho (a play on the word 'nights' and 'knights'). It was so successful, everyone kept asking me to do it again. A friend, Stephen Bitti, said it reminded him of the lavish fundraising events on the drag scene in New York staged by a group called the Imperial Court.
So Stephen and I thought we'd develop it further as a fundraising concept that would bring the gay community together, be fun, and also raise HIV awareness. People seemed fed up - me included - with buckets being waved under noses and the usual worthy fundraisers. With the Knights of Soho we appeal to the egos on the gay scene and the campness. Everyone loves dressing up and having a bloody good time! We sell vanity and fantasy - for £25 you can be whoever you want and wear whatever you want! And you contribute to a good cause."
Sir Stephen, The Lord Chancellor: "HIV hasn't gone away, we're just buying time. And because of the gay community's historical experience of the devastation Aids has caused and still causes, the pink pound should continue to support people living with HIV now more than ever. Places like Comptons of Soho and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern attract a very mixed clientele. These are ideal venues to target and involve London's diverse gay community.
The good thing about the Court is it works at a grass-roots level. We've started out small, but having Pam Ann join us as our new Queen means we're taking HIV awareness and the fun side of the Court into other places in London, the Two Brewers, Soho Theatre and further afield with all the stuff she does internationally. She's cutting edge too. That's great for us.
The Regal Court is a 'fantasy court'. It's actually designed to poke fun at the aristocracy. And ourselves too. Take me for example. I'm under no illusion that people have a good laugh at me wearing my uniform. Some of us hold down 'semi-normal' jobs like being the chief exec of a UK charity!
We staged our first fundraising event (The Coronation of Queen E. I. and Her Prince Consort Neil) on the same day as the Queen's Jubilee last summer. As Neil has described, we were both keen to bring more activism to the scene, and celebration too - Neil's an HIV negative gay man, I'm an HIV positive gay man. His party reminded me of some of the annual events staged by the American Imperial Court system, such as the 'Night of a Thousand Gowns' and the 'Invasion of the Pines' in Fire Island.
We wanted the money raised to benefit people living with HIV nationally and that's why we decided to donate the funds to Positive Nation (published by UKC). So far we've been involved in charity events that have raised £17,500.
But it's not our intention to keep the Regal Court just within the gay community. It's for everyone. That's why we're delighted that Pam Ann (aka Caroline Reid) is the first straight woman to become a monarch. We don't want to keep it London-based either. Like in America, we'd like to see chapters opening up across the country. A possible Knights of Brighton is next on our agenda."
Baron Tuffel (one of the newest court members): "When I heard about the Regal Court I thought it was such a brilliant idea that I immediately wanted to be part of it. The Regal Court makes it fun to donate money by selling these fantasy titles that make you feel you get something special back. I give to a few charities on a regular basis but this is normally just a standing order with nothing in return."
Sir Espen, the Court Couturier: "The Court events are a dress-up opportunity for all and a Court Couturier comes in very handy! I am a designer/dressmaker by trade and was initially asked to make sashes, velvet cloaks and do minor changes to uniforms and such. The next Court colours will be red and white and all regalia must be in the requisite colours. Couturiers are a lot like hairdressers, they get to hear all the gossip first...but that's all I'm saying at the moment."
To buy a title of your choice in the Regal Court of the Knights of Soho, cost and annual membership fees as follows:Lord/Lady/member of the Clergy/Pets Bishop of whatever area you wish Baron/Baroness/Count Viscount/Viscountess Earl/Countess Duke/Duchess |
For further details about how to join the Regal Court of the Knights of Soho,
email: stephenbitti@hotmail.com
Don't miss the Coronation on Sunday 24 August (Bank Holiday Sunday)
