Fiery Sister Unity and the LGBTQ+ drag nuns, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence came under attack during the LA Dodgers controversy and emerged victorious - at a cost.
But, who are the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, how did they begin, and how have they made a contribution to the LGBTQ+ community for over 45 years?
In May 2023, the LGBTQ+ drag nun charity, the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence faced a media firestorm when their group was chosen to be honored by the LA Dodgers on its Pride Night. But they were disinvited when Marco Rubio and certain Catholic organizations called them an "anti-Catholic hate group." But, when the LGBTQ+ community rose in their defense, the Sisters were re-invited.
The re-invitation sparked a worldwide media spectacle, as outspoken co-founder Sister Unity and her diverse convent journeyed through a bustling Pride month that included joyous Pride parades, support of an imperiled trans activist and a poignant candlelight vigil for AIDS LifeCycle.
Catholic nun Sr. Jeannine Gramick defended the Sisters against the backdrop of escalating anti-LGBTQ+ hostilities, such as Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland who called Catholics to a Pride Night protest along, while right-wing media employed slander and fear-mongering.
Along with the Dodgers story, the documentary delves into the origins of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with its 1979 originators. We discover the group's groundbreaking efforts in fighting AIDS, its guerrilla theatricals decrying social injustice in the span of 4 decades. Insights from academics, clerics, and experts examine the issues surrounding the Sisters' global reach, and its greater meaning regarding issues of gender identity, creating community, and employing humor in service of charitable works.
On Pride Night 2023, thousands of protesters unleashed unbridled homophobia and untrue assertions, while Sisters Unity and Dominia proudly received the award, and were named Out100's disruptors of 2023. Meanwhile, Bishop Strickland is defrocked by Pope Frances for the misuse of his position by espousing bigotry and hate.
The documentary paints a vivid picture of the Sisters' resilience and activism, and the impact of their outrageously sacred mission, making it a compelling feature film documentary deserving of your attention and support.
The Sisters Film started with a prayer. On New Year's Day 2023, filmmaker Peter Fitzgerald was distraught about how drag and trans folk were being mistreated in the US and abroad. So, he asked The Great Whatever for a sign about how to be of service those communities.
In May, The LA Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were disinvited from being honored by the LA Dodgers on Pride Night, and an angry Fitzgerald attended a Sisters event where he made a TikTok with Sister Unity about the snub. It was picked up by PBS NewsHour, the Dodgers re-invited the Sisters and the story blew up around the world.
Fitzgerald reached out to Unity and the LA Sisters, who consented to being the subjects of a this documentary. It was decided the project would also explore the story of the origins and history of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and it's many chapters across the globe.
Through the support of crowd funding, Peter and the crew filmed the LA Sisters as they served their community at joyous, inspirational and moving events, all while they were being derided by the far-right, and certain Catholics and their media outlets. They, too, will become part of this film.
Two prestigious producers joined Fitzgerald. First was Outfest's Christopher Racster (Spork & Save Me,) followed by the great Daniel Karslake (For The Bible Tells Me So and 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture.)
Humanities advisors: Susan Stryker (Professor Emerita of Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Arizona,) Melissa M. Wilcox (author of Queer Nuns: Religion, Activism, and Serious Parody) and Jonathan Alexander (Professor of English and Gender & Sexuality Studies at UCI.)
Fitzgerald was recently awarded the West Hollywood Artist Grant for the project. There are other grants and fundraising events in the works, but we need your support to bring The Sisters Film to fruition. Click the links to watch the trailer and make a donation to the project.
The Sisters Film is blessed to partner with The Film Collaborative, a non-profit that accepts your tax deductible donations for production expenses. Lead by Orly Ravid, TFC also helps filmmakers with all aspects of distribution.
After production, post and mixing, we hope to bring the film to a variety of festivals in 2024-2025, and also theatrical and streaming distribution.
Ultimately, we have faith that The Sisters Film will inspire an abiding appreciation for the wonderful
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and their message of universal joy and expiation of stigmatic guilt.
This 2 minute trailer features select moments that we've shot for the movie.
There's lots more to film ahead, so stay tuned.
Check out the San Francisco order's amazing Sistory page.
Explore the Los Angeles order's own unique sistory.
Read up on the LA order's diverse membership.
Read Melissa M. Wilcox's book "Queer Nuns Religion, Activism, and Serious Parody."
Spread the Sisters' message of love and joy by supporting our film.
After you've donated to the film, please support the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. They donate your contributions to worthy charities.
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