Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization founded on Holy Saturday, April 14, 1979, in San Francisco. This order of nuns includes members of all genders, sexualities, and spiritualities, who dedicate themselves to promoting universal joy and alleviating stigmatic guilt[1][2].

History

The Sisters made their first appearance on Castro Street, wearing nun's habits as a form of artistic provocation. The original founders included Ken Bunch (Sister Vicious Power Hungry Bitch), Fred Brungard (Sister Missionary Position), and a third companion[2][3]. By 1980, the group had formalized their name and mission, and began organizing community events, such as fundraising for gay Cuban refugees and participating in anti-nuclear protests[2][4].

Mission and Activities

The organization's mission centers on spreading joy and challenging oppressive societal norms, often through theatrical and humorous means. They engage in community service, educational efforts, and political activism to support the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. Notable activities include fundraising for HIV/AIDS research, hosting events like the "Hunky Jesus" contest, and providing resources to combat queerphobia[1][5].

International Presence

Today, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have expanded to include chapters across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America. They continue to be a prominent force in the LGBTQ+ community, offering support and raising awareness on various social issues[3][5].

Notable Events

In 1983, a member of the Sisters, Sister Boom Boom, ran for a San Francisco city supervisor position, highlighting the group's ability to challenge traditional political norms[3]. In recent years, the Sisters have faced criticism and censorship, notably when they were uninvited from a Los Angeles Dodgers Pride event due to conservative opposition[3]. Despite this, they remain committed to their mission of spreading joy and advocating for marginalized communities[3].

Awards and Recognition

The Sisters have received numerous awards for their community service and advocacy. They also confer honors on notable figures in the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging their contributions to social justice and LGBTQ+ rights[5].

[1] https://www.foundsf.org/The_Sisters_of_Perpetual_Indulgence,Inc. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisters_of_Perpetual_Indulgence [3] https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence [4] https://www.thesisters.org/sistory [5] https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/06/who-are-the-sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-get-to-know-the-nuns-of-drag/