Celebrating Our Own Angel Baten (Linda Summers) as This Year’s Empress: A Milestone for ATC and Our Community
ATC's very own Angel Baten, has been crowned this year’s Empress of the Imperial Council of San Francisco
For those of you who don’t know, the Imperial Council of San Francisco, founded in 1965 by the unapologetic determination of José Sarria, has been a symbol of hope, activism, and philanthropy within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. Inspired by royal traditions, the Council has evolved into a cornerstone institution, organizing fundraising events and advocacy initiatives that champion a variety of social causes. Its long-standing tradition of electing community members to royal titles has not only been a celebration of drag culture but also a powerful means of mobilizing support for those in need.
This year, we at At The Crossroads (ATC) are bursting with pride as we celebrate a significant achievement within this vibrant tradition. Our very own Angel Baten, affectionately known in the community as Miss Linda, has been crowned this year’s Empress. This victory is a personal triumph for Angel; and ATC couldn’t be more proud to stand behind them, underscoring our mission and the broader community we serve.
Angel Baten’s journey to becoming Empress is a story of resilience, compassion, and advocacy. As a proud representative of his community and a dedicated member of the ATC family, Angel has tirelessly worked to uplift those around him, embodying the essence of what it means to lead with love and strength. Miss Linda’s election as Empress brings into focus the role models within our community who lead by example, inspiring others through their actions and dedication to making a difference.
For ATC, Angel’s win as Empress signifies more than just an accolade; it’s a testament to the collective spirit of our mission. It amplifies our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing the integral role that visibility and representation play in fostering an inclusive society. Through her platform, Miss Linda has the opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by those experiencing housing instability, bringing much-needed attention and resources to support ATC’s work.
Moreover, this victory echoes across our broader community, serving as a reminder of the power of unity and the impact of giving back. It reinforces the importance of community-led initiatives in driving social change and supporting the most vulnerable among us. As Empress, Miss Linda stands as a symbol of hope and advocacy, promising to leverage her reign to further the causes closest to her heart and to those of ATC.
We invite our community to join us in celebrating Angel Baten’s remarkable achievement. Let us rally behind our Empress, supporting her initiatives and continuing to champion the values that bring us together. Angel’s reign as Empress is not just a title; it’s a call to action for all of us to contribute to a world where everyone belongs and thrives.
Congratulations, Miss Linda, on your well-deserved victory. Your ATC family is behind you, inspired by your journey and ready to support you in every step of your impactful reign.
One of the first big ways you can support Miss Linda and the Imperial Council of SF is to come out to their Investiture event on Sunday, April 14. It’s an inaugural event that kicks off the year and they announce members of the court, council, and beneficiary organizations (like ATC!). There will be great performances, food and drink, and the chance to mingle with a lot of folks dedicated to great causes for our city.
Purchase Investiture LIX Event Tickets Here
Make sure to follow @misslindasummers & @icsf1965 to stay on top of when events get announced! To learn more about Miss Linda and her story, visit her website linda2024.com & to learn more about the Imperial Council and their upcoming events, visit their site at sfimperialcouncil.org