Sister Roma

Sister Roma: The Most Photographed Nun in the World

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are a trailblazing Order of queer and trans nuns. They believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty.

Since their first appearance in San Francisco on Easter Sunday 1979, the Sisters have been devoted to community service, ministry and outreach to those on the fringe, and promoting human rights and respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment. Forty years later, they are in nine countries and have grown to over 1,000 Sisters. They use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit. If you’ve been to any large LGBTQ festival, it’s likely that you’ve seen a Sister. But many aren’t aware of the mission behind the fun. We caught up with one of the most active and recognizable of the Order, Sister Roma.

GED: You’ve been a devoted Sister for some time now.

Sister Roma: I took my vows 32 years ago and have represented the Sisters about three times a week since then. (Does the math and gasps.) Oh my God! That’s 5,000 times!

How would you describe a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence?

Part showgirl, part clown, part nun, part hedonist, and part philanthropist.

Some aren’t aware of the commitment it requires to be a Sister.

To be a professed Sister, there’s a process that takes about a year and a strong commitment to take on community causes. We are 100% volunteer. Last year alone we raised over $100,000 for worthy causes in San Francisco. One of those important groups that we support is Trans Lifeline, who provides a vital counseling service for the trans community. They are fighting the epidemic of trans suicide and helping to improve their overall life outcomes. I believe there is hope for the future and we are all beautiful.

It’s a lot of work, but it always looks like you’re having fun.

When I took my vows, they included universal joy and no guilt. I don’t take myself too seriously as I spread my gospel.

When I think about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, your Hunky Jesus Contest always comes to mind.

Oh, yes. Every year we throw an Easter Party and the Hunky Jesus Contest really engages our audience! But you can’t just be a hot guy in a loin cloth any more. The contestants are getting more creative every year and have themes. We’ve had the Puerto Rican Refu-Jesus who threw rolls of paper towels at the crowd, Viva Las Jesus the Elvis Jesus with red glitter stigmata on his hands, even a Forest Gump Jesus.

Any events coming up?

On Saturday, August 10th, I’ll be hosting Out at the Kingdom at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA. It’s the LGBTQ night at the park. It’ll be a night of positive energy, fun performances and a great dance party. I’ll try to keep it clean, but there’s no guarantee. I try not to talk politics, but I can’t help it! It will be empowering and motivating. Plus, where else can you ride a rollercoaster with Sister Roma? Note: Info and tickets available at OutattheKingdom.com

On Saturday, September 21st, those in the Bay Area should not miss Project Nunway at SOMArts in San Francisco. It’s our 10^th year and we have a super surprise celebrity guest, but I can’t announce it just yet. But as soon as we can, it will be posted on www.Sisters.org.

So, what does Sister Roma wear under her habit?

A smile!

Oh, I thought maybe you kept your halo there.

Well, yes, I do – and it doubles as a cock ring.