Council Member
Emperor Carmine Caruso
Carmine started his Imperial life in Anchorage, Alaska in 1991. He was instrumental in designing the interiors for the first housing project for people living with HIV/AIDS through the FOUR A’s organization. He also sat on the Board of Directors of the Alaska Court while living there. After a visit from some notable imperials from San Francisco, Mark Smith (Sally Vivacious) and Simeon Traw (Emperor XVII of San Francisco), a Business opportunity presented itself in San Francisco. He moved to SFO to become partner and president in a design firm, Bryant- Forney Associates, based there. While in SFO his career took center stage, but he still supported the Court with more behind the scene involvement for the next seven years. After 14 years of service to the Court and yet no permanent title, Simeon XVIII petitioned the Council of Emperors to make Carmine a Prince to the Council of Emperors in 2005. During the weekend of SFO 4oth anniversary Carmine met Doug Flanders (Martini Empress XI of Idaho) and started a 9-month courtship that brought him to Boise. While still focused on his career he became even more involved in the Court system, traveling to coronations and becoming more locally involved helping in all facets of our organization from creating sets for shows and running the spotlight to being one of the administrators of Jerry Swett Fund (giving financial help to living with HIV). He reigned as ICP 35 and has sat on the Board of Directors ISGCI for many years. At the age of 58 Carmine decided it was time to slow down to enjoy life more and retired from his design career. With much more free time to give to the Court and extenuating circumstances during the beginning 40th Reign, (where he was elected as ICP 40), He was elevated to Emperor 40 a lifelong goal he never thought he would ever attain. He stepped down as Gem Emperor XL in July of 2018. He is involved in other organizations through out the Treasure Valley. He has chaired the Boise Philharmonic Fund-raising Gala twice. And worked on Boise Pride Fest for many years. Carmine is also a political activist fighting for equal rights in the “ADD THE WORDS IDAHO” campaign. He was arrested twice along with others at the statehouse in an act of civil disobedience trying to compel state lawmakers to add the words “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to our human rights bill. Through his career Carmine has designed millions of square feet of retail space for clients around the country. And has designed for many well-known furniture chains and family owned business. He sat on the Board of Directors as Vice President of the Interior Design Society (an Affiliate of the National Home Furnishings Association). He continues to find joy in being a part of this organization and others that have added so much to his life!