Gay Surrey HISTORY

In January 1998, Martin Rooney, Rob Loewen, Linda & Dar decided to have the first ever Surrey Gay Dance and put on a successful Valentine's dance in February of 1998; as a fundraiser to benefit the "Bigots Banned Book Defense Fund".  This Fund was established to assist in the court case regarding the Surrey School Board, banning the use of 3 "gay" themed books from Grade 1 curriculum.

Little did they know then, that as more dances were held, more people became involved, and more fundraising was done.  The first dance would ultimately see Surrey gain a principality, Gay titleholders, and a non-profit society known as Out in Surrey, Rainbow Cultural Society, and get established as a Barony and ultimately obtain Imperial Sovereign Court status from the International Court System.  O.I.S.R.C.S was also responsible for getting the first ever Gay Surrey Pride Day/Weekend proclaimed by Surrey City Hall.

Numerous charities have benefited from O.I.S.R.C.S fundraisers, including Breast Cancer, Flame of hope, HIV/Aids related Charities, Djeaf Mahler Food Bank, Aids Tijuana, Youth Scholarships and the establishment of the Surrey Youth Alliance weekly Drop-in Centre.   O.I.S.R.C.S continues to seek opportunities to expand its horizons and development of the G.L.B.T.Q community in Surrey and the Lower Fraser Valley.

IMPORTANT DATES

• January 1998

Martin Rooney, Rob Loewen, Linda & Dar decided to have a Surrey Gay Dance.

• February 14, 1998

First Out in Surrey (O.I.S.) Dance held with a Valentine's Theme

• February 1999

Granted "Principality of Surrey/Delta" by Empress of Canada Ted Northe

The Empress of Canada Ted Northe, decreed by Imperial Command, that Mr. Martin Rooney become Head of State for the Principality of Surrey/Delta, and be Imperial Command, That Mr. Martin Rooney become Head of State for the Principality of Surrey/Delta, and be known as His Royal Highness; Crown Prince, becoming Surrey's First Title Holder.

• August 1999

First Gay Surrey Pride Day Dance Held

• January 2000

First Mr. & Ms. Gay Surrey Elected - Robert & Taylor Mayd

• August 2000

O.I.S. - Rainbow Cultural Society established as Non-Profit Society

• January 2001

• March 28, 2001

• May 2001

Barony of Surrey/Delta brought into the Imperial Court System in Salt Lake City

• May 28, 2001

Martin Rooney elected 1st Regent of the Barony of Surrey/Delta

• January 2002

• October 2002

• January 2003

• October 2003

• January 2004

• April 17, 2004

Imperial Sovereign Court of Surrey, Empire of the Peace Arch granted court status by the

Imperial Court System in Sacramento, California

• July 2004

• September 2004

• October 2004

• January 2005

Nikki Elected Miss Gay Surrey 5 & Alexis Dupree became Regent Ms. Gay Surrey 6

• September 2005

• October 2005

• December 31, 2005

• January 2006

Rob Neyts, Desiree Mayd Storm & Plastika Von Wrap Elected Mr., Miss & Ms. Gay Surrey 7

• July 2006

• September 5, 2006

• September 30, 2006

• October 1, 2006

• December 16, 2006

• December 31, 2006

• January 2007

• February 17, 2007

• March 1, 2007