Portraits of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

This is part of a larger book project on the history of the order of Perpetual indulgence as it exists (currently 42 separate organizations) Spread all over the world.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are a group of gay male nuns whose mission is to promulgate universal joy, expiate stigmatic guilt and serve the community.

The Order of Perpetual Indulgence originated in San Francisco in 1979 initially as a combination of street theater and political activism.

Each House is an autonomous, unique group with its own Habits, culture and rules. Just as the San Francisco House is a reflection of the culture that surrounds it, so too is each House a reflection of its own environment and takes a unique approach to serving its community.

Much of the group’s ritual has roots in faerie paganism (as practiced by the queer group the Radical Faeries) and Eastern philosophy. The Sisters have taken on the ancient tradition of the intersex/transgendered shaman; they evoke the force of the most daring of creative voices—the taboo. When “in face” they are transformed, channeling a power greater than themselves, offering a vision of the power of self-actualization. They create space for unrestrained self-expression. The message is simple and clear: celebrate who you are, without shame.

All proceeds of this project go to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their charitable endeavors. 100% of all proceeds raised by the Sisters go directly to charity.

This project is unpublished and currently seeking completion funds.