Peacock in the Park: Biography, Maria

Maria250a copy.JPG (13981 bytes) Maria

Maria was hostess of Peacock in the Park from 1994 until it's Finale in 2004. However, her involvement with the community started many, many years ago.

Maria has spent nearly 20 years working to promote the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court (Oregon's oldest LGBT organization) and the gay community of Portland. She has spent thousands of hours raising money and awareness, speaking to diverse groups, chairing meetings and making appearances on television, radio, newspaper, parades and other special events.

Maria gave her first drag-style performance on the Darcelle XV stage in 1985. Maria proved to be a natural born entertainer and in 1986, she was crowned Ms. Gay Portland II (1986-87 Portland Forum) and First Lady to Princess XVI Jennifer Desire. Maria250 copy.JPG (17926 bytes)

In the summer of 1988, Maria was crowned Ms. Gay Oregon VI. Her duties as Ms. Gay Oregon took Maria to many cities across the United States and Canada. With her magnetic personality and stage presence, she quickly become an entertainer in high demand.

In December 1990, Maria was the first woman ever elevated to the position of Princess of the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court.

In October 1993, Maria made history again when she became the first woman crowned as Empress of the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court. To date, Rose Empress XXXVI Maria and Rose Emperor XX Babalou are the only all female reign in Rose Court history.

It was also during 1993 that the City of Roses lost the legendary Rose Empress XXIX Lady Elaine Peacock and Misty Waters. It was Lady Elaine Peacock's wish that Maria and Kimberlee Van Patten continue to produce Peacock in the Park and administer the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship. Maria hosted Peacock in the Park from 1994 until the 2004 Finale.

In 1999, Maria and Kimberlee incorporated Peacock in the Park and Maria became President of the board of directors. Under their leadership Peacock in the Park flourished and the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship awarded more than $138,000.00 to GLBT individuals and/or their children for post-secondary education.

Maria has been the conflicts coordinator for a prestigious law firm in Portland, Oregon for more than 10 years. In 2003 she was one of hundreds of gays & lesbians who legally married in Multnomah County. She and her wife Marie live in NE Portland with their son Josh and small dog Romeo.