For the “expiation of stigmatic guilt”—these solemn words, spoken as a vow, are repeated each time a sister of Perpetual Indulgence dons her veil.
Their clicking heels and pancake makeup and profuse glitter masks a deep purpose. “Perpetual indulgence” can mean “endless debauchery.” But within a liturgical or church context, “indulgence” means the forgiveness of sins. The Sisters are an order dedicated to endless forgiveness and compassion—for the guilty and innocent alike.
There is much guilt and shame to expiate. Notwithstanding the succession of two “liberal popes,” the modern Catholic church still regards homosexuality and transsexuality as a sins. Sins kindred to fraud, violence, usury and the sexual abuse of children.
The world Catholic communion stands at 1.5 billion members. Around the world, many hundreds of millions of LGBTQ + folk are persecuted, prosecuted, shamed and closeted for their love.
They are persecuted and closeted here in America. Now with a renewed and emboldened bigotry.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence first formed in the 1980s out of spontaneous drag counterprotests to traveling preachers (of all denominations) who had come to preach fire and damnation on the streets of the Castro District—the modern “Sodom.”
The local River Sisters chapter formed in Guerneville in 2001. I caught co-founder Sister Sparkle Plenty outside one of our local chapters’ locally famous charity Bingo nights.
Sisters keep the gaming action hot by layering multi-card Bingo with rounds of scratchers, raffles, random giveaways and sharp-tongued comic crowd work with the many regulars. At each monthly Bingo event, a different local nonprofit or cause-of-the-moment is supported. This month was Boy Scout uniforms. The Sisters’ ministry has expanded from the protection of their community to the support of all vulnerable communities. Such is their abundant love.
Cincinnatus Hibbard: Sister Sparkle, could you share with us the full vow that binds your order?
Sister Sparkle Plenty: It would be my pleasure … “I hereby promise, cross my heart and hope to die, that I will forever uphold the love and spirit of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. I will dedicate myself to the promulgation of universal joy and the expiation of stigmatic guilt. I will be considerate of how my words and actions affect others. I will strive diligently to have a sense of humor and to never ever take myself so seriously that I forget to have fun. Amen, a women and everybody else.”
It must be beautiful to recite your purpose so beautifully every day. I would invite our readers to do the same. Sister … I noticed there wasn’t a vow of chastity in that. …
No. (archly) It is suspiciously lacking isn’t it? …
(Laughs) Speaking of the “promulgation of universal joy,” I understand that you now count over 100 independent chapters all over the world.
Some call it global domination. (laughs) We’ve grown quite a bit—especially in the last 10 years. Growth has been surprisingly strong in the South.
A lot of guilt and shame to expiate there.
And a lot of fun to be had.
Although it isn’t in the oath, there is an implied vow of poverty because The Sisters give away every penny that you fundraise—nothing for overhead.
100%. We are all volunteers. … we are from time to time showered with personal gifts from our many admirers … which we never refuse, (winks)
(Laughs nervously) How much have you raised as an independent chapter?
Over $4 million for over 200 local charities and causes.
Lordy.
Learn more: A full calendar of events is available at rrsisters.org.
