Pride Means So Much More

Than Rainbows and Lipstick

The Carolina Rainbow Connection is proud to share it's set of core values with that of the International Court System and share, with them, in more than half a century of service to our communities.

The Carolina Rainbow Connection has it's roots sunk deep into the core values of the ICS and strives to meet those values in all that we do.

Through live shows, parade walks, bake sales, story hours and individual member crusades; we work ceaselessly to bring awareness to, and raise money for, the needs of our national and local communities.

As Mama Jose taught us, we want to be known for the good that we have done.

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50+ Years of Noble Deeds

In 1965, Jose Sarria proclaimed herself the Empress of San Francisco and laid the foundation for the formation of the Imperial Court de San Francisco.

Today the International Court System (ICS) has over 65 chapters in the United States, Canada and Mexico; making it the second largest LGBTQ+ organization in the world.

"I want to be remembered, not as the little Latin that sat on table tops and sang 'God Save the Nelly Queens'. I think I've done a little bit more in this world. I want to be remembered for the good things that I've done." - Jose Julio Sarria