Joshua Bennett
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), also called the Order of Perpetual Indulgence (OPI), is an international group of community-minded drag queens and queer activists. The group was founded in 1979 by a group of gay men in San Francisco, California, and has since expanded to include autonomous chapters in major cities worldwide. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are known for their members' attire, which resembles the black-and-white habits of Catholic nuns, and their activism and charitable work within the LGBTQ+ community. While some consider the group's use of religious imagery and themes to be a form of parody and satire, others view it as offensive and blasphemous. The group has faced criticism and protests from conservative groups and religious organizations, who see their performances as mocking and degrading to the Catholic Faith and nuns. However, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence assert that they are not anti-Catholic and that their work is based on love, acceptance, and celebrating human diversity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of group | A charitable, protest, and street performance movement |
| Members | Queer and trans folks, drag queens, queer activists, gay men, gay and transgender drag performers |
| Clothing | Nun habits, wimples, robes, beads, baubles, whiteface makeup |
| Names | Sister Anita Blowjob, Sister GladAss of the Joyous Reserectum, Sister Hellena Handbasket, Sister Sensible Shoes, Sister Homo Celestial, Sister Saviour Applause, Sister Roma, Sister Phoebe-Milk, Sister NoVow OPoverty |
| History | Began in 1979 in San Francisco, Iowa, or both; grew to include chapters in Montreal, Berlin, Zurich, Seccional (Colombia), Des Moines, and Iowa City |
| Activities | Attending LGBT events, protesting, reading to children, performing exorcisms, fundraising, community service, educating about harmful behaviors |
| Themes | Sex, gender, morality, Christianity, Catholicism |
| Reputation | Controversial; considered offensive, blasphemous, anti-Catholic, and mocking by some; considered a serious parody, kindred spirits, and community-minded by others |
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What You'll Learn
- The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are an LGBTQ activist group
- They dress in drag resembling Catholic nuns
- The group was founded in 1979 by gay men in San Francisco
- The Sisters perform charitable and community service work
- They have been criticised by some as mocking and degrading nuns and the Catholic faith
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are an LGBTQ activist group
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), also called the Order of Perpetual Indulgence (OPI), is an LGBTQ activist group that uses drag and religious imagery to satirize issues of sex, gender, and morality, particularly from a Christian perspective. The group was founded in 1979 by a group of gay men in San Francisco, who began wearing the attire of Catholic nuns in public to promote various social and political causes in the Castro District. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have since grown into an international network of autonomous orders, with chapters in major cities worldwide, including Montreal, Berlin, Zurich, and Seccional, Colombia.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes wearing wimples, habits, and robes resembling those of Catholic nuns, but with added accessories such as baubles, beads, and whiteface makeup. They choose names that suggest sexual promiscuity or are based in absurdity, such as "Sister Anita Blowjob" and "Sister GladAss of the Joyous Reserectum." While the group has been accused of mocking and degrading the Catholic Faith, they have stated that their intention is to use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry, complacency, and guilt.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are actively involved in community service and fundraising for charity. They are registered as non-profit organizations that raise money for AIDS, LGBT-related causes, and mainstream community service organizations, while also promoting safer sex and educating others about the harmful effects of drug use and other high-risk behaviors. The group has been recognized for their contributions to the LGBTQ community, such as when the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were scheduled to receive a ""Community Hero Award" from the Los Angeles Dodgers during their Pride Night in 2023.
However, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have also faced criticism and outrage from Catholic organizations and individuals who view their performances as offensive and blasphemous. This controversy has led to public debates and protests, with some arguing that the group is disrespectful and anti-Catholic, while others defend their right to free expression and their contributions to the LGBTQ community. Despite the mixed reactions, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence continue to be a prominent and influential force in LGBTQ activism and performance art.
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They dress in drag resembling Catholic nuns
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), also called the Order of Perpetual Indulgence (OPI), is an LGBTQ activist group known for its members' attire, which resembles the black-and-white habits of Catholic nuns. The group was founded in 1979 by a group of gay men in San Francisco, who began wearing the attire of Catholic nuns in public to promote various social and political causes in the Castro District. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence use drag and religious imagery to satirize issues of sex, gender, and morality, particularly from a Christian perspective. They engage in street performances, activism, and charitable work, such as fundraising for AIDS, LGBT-related causes, and community service organizations.
The group has sparked controversy among some Catholics and Christians who view their performances as distasteful, offensive, and mocking of their faith. However, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have stated that they are "not anti-Catholic, but an organization based on love, acceptance, and celebrating human diversity." They consider themselves to be emulating and honoring the dedication and service of Roman Catholic nuns within their communities.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have since expanded internationally, with chapters in major cities worldwide, including Montreal, Berlin, Zurich, and Seccional, Colombia. They continue to be a prominent presence in LGBTQ activism and have gained recognition for their charitable contributions. Their unique blend of drag, activism, and religious imagery has made them a notable aspect of counterculture and political discourse in cities like San Francisco.
The group has also been recognized for their community service by organizations such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, who in 2023, planned to honor them with a "Community Hero Award" during their Pride Night celebrations. However, due to backlash and criticism from prominent Catholics and politicians, the Dodgers initially rescinded the invitation but later reversed their decision amid public pressure.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence continue to be a divisive group, with some praising their activism and charitable work, while others view them as offensive and mocking of Catholic traditions and beliefs. They have become a symbol of queer activism and a means to challenge societal norms and promote love and acceptance within the LGBTQ community.
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The group was founded in 1979 by gay men in San Francisco
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), also called the Order of Perpetual Indulgence (OPI), is a charitable, protest, and street performance movement that uses drag and religious imagery to satirize issues of sex, gender, and morality, particularly from a Christian perspective. The group was founded in 1979 by a group of gay men in San Francisco who wore the attire of Catholic nuns in public places in the Castro District. The group used camp to promote various social and political causes.
San Francisco has a long history of LGBTQ+ activism and has been recognised as one of the most progressive and LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world. In the 1950s, the city's permissive culture gave rise to the first homosexual groups, such as the Daughters of Bilitis and the Mattachine Society. In 1964, Life Magazine dubbed San Francisco the "Gay Capital of America", and the city became known for its relative safety compared to other American cities for the gay community.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence attracted local attention by attending major LGBTQ+ events in the Castro District dressed as Catholic nuns. The group has since expanded internationally, with orders in Canada, Australia, Europe, and South America. These orders are mostly registered as non-profit charity organizations that raise money for AIDS, LGBTQ+ related causes, and mainstream community service organizations, while promoting safer sex and educating others about the harmful effects of drug use and other high-risk behaviors.
The group has faced criticism and accusations of blasphemy and anti-Catholic sentiment, particularly from conservative political and religious groups. However, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence assert that they are "not anti-Catholic, but an organization based on love, acceptance, and celebrating human diversity." They use humor and wit to expose bigotry, complacency, and guilt, and their dedication to community service is an attempt to "honor and emulate [the] unstinting devotion" of Roman Catholic nuns who work within their neighborhoods.
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The Sisters perform charitable and community service work
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), also called the Order of Perpetual Indulgence (OPI), is a charitable, protest, and street performance movement that uses drag and religious imagery to satirize issues of sex, gender, and morality, particularly from a Christian perspective. The group was founded in 1979 by four gay men who dressed in nuns' habits and performed theatrical acts throughout San Francisco. Today, the organization claims branches in 10 countries, with a presence in over 25 states and 600 members worldwide.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are known for their charitable and community service work. They are mostly registered as non-profit charity organizations that raise money for AIDS, LGBT-related causes, and mainstream community service organizations. They promote safer sex and educate others about the harmful effects of drug use and other high-risk behaviors. The Sisters have financially supported various organizations, including the Center for Immigrant Protection (The LGBT Asylum Project), the San Francisco Dyke March, and the Trans Liberation Coalition. They have also been involved in local issues and campaigns unrelated to LGBT+ rights, such as protests against the poll tax, the Gulf War, and the 1984–85 UK miners' strike.
In addition to their fundraising efforts, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence also engage in direct community service. For example, Sister Carol Baltosiewich opened a resource center for people with HIV and AIDS in Belleville, Illinois. Sister Pascal Conforti provided support to gay men whose partners were dying from AIDS at St. Clare's Hospital in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. The Sisters of Charity of New York also engaged in dialogue with the activist group ACT UP to better serve the gay community seeking care at St. Vincent's Hospital.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were scheduled to receive the "Community Hero Award" from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023 for their charity and activism during the team's annual Pride Night. However, after criticism from religious groups, the Dodgers rescinded the invitation. Despite this, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence continue to be recognized for their contributions to the LGBT community and their dedication to community service.
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They have been criticised by some as mocking and degrading nuns and the Catholic faith
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), also called the Order of Perpetual Indulgence (OPI), is a charitable, protest, and street performance movement that uses drag and religious imagery to satirize issues of sex, gender, and morality, particularly from a Christian perspective. The group was founded in 1979 by a small group of gay men in San Francisco, who began wearing the attire of Catholic nuns in public to promote various social and political causes in the Castro District.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have been criticised by some as mocking and degrading nuns and the Catholic faith. For instance, in 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers initially planned to award the group a "Community Hero Award" during their Pride Night on June 16. However, following criticism from conservative groups, politicians, and religious organisations, the Dodgers rescinded the invitation. Senator Marco Rubio, for instance, wrote a letter to Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, stating that the Dodgers were "giving an award to a group of gay and transgender drag performers that intentionally mocks and degrades Christians—and not only Christians, but nuns, who devote their lives to serving others".
The group has also faced criticism from Catholic organisations and voices, such as the Catholic League and Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who were outraged by the Dodgers' initial decision to honour the group. Some Catholics have found the performances of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to be distasteful and offensive, and have accused the group of mocking and degrading the Catholic faith. For example, the American TFP launched a nationwide petition to protest the group's appearance at a California library during Pride Month, calling the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence blasphemous and accusing them of targeting the "innocence of children".
However, it is important to note that the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have also found support from some individuals and organisations who do not view their activities as mocking or degrading. For instance, in response to the controversy surrounding the Dodgers' award, several politicians and LGBTQ+ activists called for the team to reverse its decision to rescind the invitation. Additionally, UC Riverside religious studies professor Melissa M. Wilcox, who has studied the group, has described them as a "'serious parody' that goes beyond performance art. Wilcox has argued that the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence truly see themselves as nuns and are doing the work of nuns within their communities.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are a group of queer and trans folks known for dressing up as Catholic nuns, painting their faces white, and adopting silly and/or self-important titles. They are a charitable, protest, and street performance movement that uses drag and religious imagery to satirize issues of sex, gender, and morality.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence first appeared in San Francisco in 1979 when a small group of gay men began wearing the attire of Catholic nuns in visible situations to promote various social and political causes in the Castro District.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence describe themselves as "not anti-Catholic, but an organization based on love, acceptance, and celebrating human diversity." They say that they are “doing the work of nuns for the communities that nuns rarely serve."
