Watch 50 Years of Fabulous

50 Years of Fabulous is a documentary film that chronicles the life and legacy of the iconic San Francisco-based LGBT charity organization, the Imperial Council. Founded in 1965 by its first Empress, the charismatic and larger-than-life Jose Sarria, the Imperial Council played a significant role in the LGBT rights movement of the 1960s and 70s. The documentary highlights the history and impact of the Council, which has spanned five decades of activism in the fight for equal rights for the LGBT community.

The heart of the film is the story of Jose Sarria, who passed away in 2013, who was one of the first openly gay political candidates in the United States. Sarria was also the first drag queen to perform at the San Francisco Opera House and was a pioneer in the LGBT rights movement. His work with the Imperial Council helped to establish the framework for the modern-day drag queen pageants, and his legacy has inspired countless future leaders in the LGBT community to continue to fight for equal rights.

The film opens with images of San Francisco in the 1960s, showing the tumultuous social climate of the time as the United States began to experience significant social and political changes. It then dives into the story of Jose Sarria, introducing him as a young man who worked as a waiter at the Black Cat Bar in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. The film charts his evolution as he becomes more involved in the gay rights movement and starts organizing drag shows to raise money for community causes.

As the documentary progresses, it zooms out to provide an overview of the work of the Imperial Council, which became known for producing elaborate drag shows and beauty pageants. These pageants provided a venue for drag queens to showcase their talent and beauty, while also raising money for various charities. Through vintage footage and interviews with former Empresses and Emperors, the film highlights how these events became some of the most popular social events on San Francisco's LGBT calendar.

The documentary also tackles some of the darker moments in the Imperial Council's history, including the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, which devastated the organization and its members. The film does not shy away from the pain and loss that the community experienced during this difficult time, but ultimately portrays the resilience and strength of its members in fighting against ignorance and discrimination.

Interspersed with interviews and archival footage, the film also showcases some of the more humorous and lighthearted moments from the Imperial Council's pageants - giving viewers a glimpse of the vibrant and colorful drag culture of the time. The documentary culminates in a grand reunion of former members of the Imperial Council, including over 60 former Empresses and Emperors, who come together to celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary.

In the end, 50 Years of Fabulous is an inspirational and heartfelt tribute to the LGBT rights movement and the work of the Imperial Council. It celebrates the community's resilience and triumphs in the face of adversity, while acknowledging the sacrifices and pain that were endured along the way. Through the stories of the men and women who made up the Imperial Council and the leadership of the charismatic and iconic Jose Sarria, 50 Years of Fabulous shows us how far we have come and how much further we still have to go in the fight for equality.