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Ed Sanders

I am a Colorado Springs WebMaster and UCPPE Member offering my skills as webmaster to the public at my site at https://mredsanders.net. Prince Royal 47, and Recording Secretary for the Board of Advisors.

UCPPE and my candidacy for Emperor 49

Dear Members and Friends,

My name is Joseph (Joe) Shelton, and I am proud to be running for Emperor 49 of our great organization. Over the last two months, I’ve had the honor of meeting many of you, learning about your experiences, and hearing about the incredible work you’ve done within the court system. These conversations have reminded me what our court is truly about.

For me, it all comes down to my version of the acronym UCPPE: Unification, Community, Perseverance, Passion, and Everyone. These values are the foundation of why I am running for Emperor. Our court holds a rich tapestry of history, built not by individuals alone, but by a unified community of activists and advocates coming together to create change. That is the spirit of this organization and why it holds a special place in my heart.

My campaign has been a little different from those of other candidates in prior years. While many campaigns focus heavily on raising funds to demonstrate financial capability, I have chosen to focus on raising community. My two events reflect that vision:

Draft Beer Event – This event, which raised $1 for each draft beer sold, was designed to encourage members of our community to come together, sit, and connect.
Trunk or Treat – This was an opportunity to provide a safe and fun space for our community, especially for our youth and families, to come together and celebrate.
Although I may not have raised thousands of dollars, I did something equally significant. I upheld a core part of our mission by providing social and charitable activities for the benefit of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. These experiences reflect the type of Emperor I hope to be—one who brings us closer, strengthens our bonds, and nurtures the essence of community.

As we stand on the eve of electing the next monarchs, I want to acknowledge my fellow candidates, Autumn Quinn and Sean Gooden. Each of us has worked tirelessly to demonstrate how we plan to serve this organization. No matter the outcome, I am confident our court will be led with grace and prosperity in the year to come.

The election will take place tomorrow from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. You can vote in person at Stir Coffee and Cocktails (2330 N Wahsatch Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907) or online at https://forms.gle/B7BuMTghhKeP9Wso9. However you participate, I encourage you to make your voice heard and help shape the future of this cherished organization.

I hope I have earned your support and demonstrated the commitment I will bring if given the opportunity to serve. If you’d like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out by email, call or text at 719-290-0440, or visit ElectJosephShelton.com.

Thank you for your time, your dedication, and for allowing me to be part of such an incredible community.

With gratitude and hope,

—
In service to UCPPE,
Joseph L. Shelton (1).png

By Ed Sanders, ago

Joseph Shelton Candidate for Emperor 49

Dear Friends of the United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire,

Many of you may already know me, but allow me to introduce myself to those who do not. My name is Joseph Shelton, and I am an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in El Paso County. I am also running to be Emperor 49 of the United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire (UCPPE). As I approach my 28th birthday in just 11 days, I reflect on the experiences that have shaped me and my commitment to our community.

Born and raised in Colorado Springs, aside from a few years when my father’s service in the U.S. Army took us elsewhere, I have called this city home for nearly 25 years. Growing up, I wasn’t given the freedom to explore my identity. My father, who did not support the LGBTQ+ community, tried to shield me from anything he believed might influence me. For example, I wasn’t allowed to watch Spongebob because it might “turn me gay.” We all know how that turned out!

As I grew older, I began to discover more about myself. Around 2009, I started to explore my bisexual identity, which I eventually embraced and came out to friends in 2013 and to my family in 2014. In 2018, I came out as gay. While some family members accepted me, others did not. To fill the void of trying to find myself, I turned to community service, volunteering for groups that support those who are often marginalized. In 2018, I started volunteering with Inside Out Youth Services, and by 2019, I became a staff member. Inside Out played a crucial role in my personal growth, helping me become who I am today. It was through Inside Out that I first got involved with UCPPE.

My first event with UCPPE was the Black and White Ball in 2019. At the time, I knew little about the organization, only that they were donating to Inside Out, and I needed to accept a check on their behalf. Although I entered the event with limited knowledge of the court, I left feeling the love and sense of community that UCPPE fosters. I became a member soon after and have been a part of this incredible organization ever since.

Since joining, I have had the honor of holding several titles. In 2019, I received the lifetime title award, The Aurora Borealis Award of Excellence, Passion, and Wisdom, from Empress 43 Anka Shayne. I served as Duke 44 and Grand Marquis 45 in Emperor 44/45 Nic Grezecka’s line. I was also asked by Emperor 44/45 Nic and Empress 44/45 Autumn Quinn to serve as Corresponding Secretary to the Board of Advisors. I have had the privilege of serving as the Board President, and I currently serve as the Public Relations Chair. Everything I have done has been in service to the court and our community.

Now, I am running to be Emperor 49, and you might wonder why. The answer lies in UCPPE—not just our acronym but also what it stands for to me: Unification, Community, Perseverance, Passion, and Everyone.

Our court has a strong history of building resilience and advancing change over the past 48 years. As we approach our 50th anniversary, I envision an organization that honors our past, thrives in the present, and looks toward a brighter future. I am running for Emperor 49 to ensure our organization remains strong, vibrant, and on a path to continued success.

I know I have shared quite a bit, so I will conclude with this: Our organization is only as strong as those who came before us, those who stand with us now, and those we welcome into our community in the future. I would greatly appreciate any support you can offer—whether it’s advice, a performance, or anything else. Your support not only guides me but also helps build a prosperous future for all of us.

If you’d like to connect or learn more, please feel free to reach out. You can email, text, or call me at 719-290-0440 or find me on social media under Joseph Shelton. You can also visit my website at ElectJosephShelton.com. If you haven’t heard yet, elections will take place on October 27, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM MST, in person at Stir Coffee and Cocktails, 2330 N Wahsatch Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, and online. As the election approaches, I will share more information on virtual voting.

Thank you for your time and for helping me build a stronger community.

—
In service to UCPPE,
Joseph L. Shelton (1).png
Joseph Shelton (1).png
Pronouns: He/Him
ElectJosephShelton.com | UCPPE.org
Sheltonljoseph13@gmail.com
719-290-0440

By Ed Sanders, ago
boa meeting minutes

BOA Meeting Minutes 07-09-2024

Board of Advisors meeting held 7-9-2024 at the Q, 411 Lakewood Circle, Colorado Springs  Present:  Ed Sanders – Recording Secretary, Mesha Narie Fierce – President, Autumn Quinn – Membership Chair, Joseph Shelton – Public Relations Chair, Joe Smith – Member, Bobby Steinborn – Treasurer, Roy Merkle – Vice-President, Michael Robertson Read more…

By Ed Sanders, ago
boa meeting minutes

BOA Meeting Minutes 12-05-2023

Present: Hysteria –Empress 47 , Steven – Emperor 47, Sean G. – Treasurer, Ed – Recording Secretary, Autumn – Membership Chair, Michael – Emperor 48, Justin – Corresponding Secretary, Alexis – Empress 48, Mesha – President, Roy (excused) – Vice-President Call to Order: Mesha at 6:13 pm President’s Report: Antler’s Read more…

By Ed Sanders, ago