San Francisco is My Home

24
Oct

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Author: kris, Category: Groups

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are an activist group who dress as nuns, in an over-the-top, Mardi Gras way, and can often be seen roaming the city in full, fabulous regalia.

The Sisters, an organization which, like me, has been around since ‘79, have raised over $1 million in San Francisco, money they’ve donated to breast cancer research, a free clinic, a prom for queer youth and other gay activist organizations. They coined the term “safe sex” when the AIDS epidemic first hit, as they passed out educational pamphlets in the community. They also host a children’s Halloween party with costume prizes and performances, to ensure Castro kids have a safe holiday.

Recently, some of the Sisters received communion from a local priest, who later apologized for giving it to them. A lot of Catholics are also up in arms that these fellas are dressing like nuns and mocking the sacrament.

I guess if someone roamed the neighborhood dressed as a Mardi Gras version of me, I might be kind of hurt and maybe would not invite that person over for dinner. Then again, if he used that parody of me to perform charity work, arrange kid-friendly holiday parties, prevent the spread of a deadly disease and fight for equality, maybe I could find it in me to forgive the mockery and embrace the good works he performed. Maybe I could stand to eat with him. Maybe just a little bread and wine.