interview by Joan Allison | photos by Greg Campbell
We’ve been called drag nuns, sacred clowns, freaks, heretics, etc. etc. and they’re all true. We are the intersection of absurdity, ministry, glitter, and love. I have been told that talking to a Sister is like talking to a cartoon character.
— Chris Riales, Blue Suede Sister
When, why and how were the Blue Suede Sisters formed?
So, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is an order of Queer Nuns formed in 1979 in San Francisco with the sole purpose of Spreading Joy and Banishing Stigmatic Guilt. Since then, houses have sprung up around the country and around the world! Each House is an autonomous entity with its own 501c3 license and bylaws, but we are all part of a greater community held together by the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” trademark and the work that we do. Our house was formed in March of 2016 when I (Sister Tomm Foolery) encountered the Music City Sisters in Nashville. It was clear that the Sisters improve any city in which they manifest, and I was determined to bring them here. Thus, the Blue Suede Sisters were born. Our mission is to improve the lives of those around us by bringing joy, removing hate and stigma, and generally being as ridiculous as possible.
Tell me how each of you first got involved.
One of the things we adhere to is that we do not actively recruit. We are more than welcoming to anyone who feels the calling to join is in our work, but we find that the most active and enthusiastic Nuns are going to be the ones who feed drawn to join us, as opposed to those who we coerce to join. We have what is referred to as a “ministry of presence”, meaning that the work we do is best served by simply putting on the outfits (called “manifesting”) and showing up. Those who feel called to join us generally see us in public at an event or a bar ministry, and approach us. From there, the process can begin.
How might someone else describe the Sisters?
We’ve been called drag nuns, sacred clowns, freaks, heretics, etc. etc. and they’re all true. We are the intersection of absurdity, ministry, glitter, and love. I have been told that talking to a Sister is like talking to a cartoon character, which says to me that it’s working. The whole point of what we do (makeup, names, crazy nun getups) is to make us approachable. It is meant to be an icebreaker, because if I can walk up to someone and talk to them, I can do the work of spreading joy and banishing Stigmatic Guilt.
What has surprised you most about being in the group?
Honestly, how welcoming the community at large has been. This community has embraced us, and it fills my heart with joy. Whether it is offering venue space for a fundraiser we are planning, welcoming us into bars and spaces to hand out condoms and candy, or simply helping with networking to allow us to further our ministry, out community has been wonderfully accepting. It is fantastic.
What do you find most challenging about it?
It’s a lot of work. A lot. There are meetings, event planning, shopping for outfits, networking, scraping together funds for things, and a million other things that people don’t see. We are lucky to have a house of nuns who really care, because otherwise the work wouldn’t get done.
What’s the best/worst thing to happen since you started working with the Sisters?
There is nothing like walking into a space and seeing people’s faces light up and start pointing and run over to talk to you. It attests to the efficacy of manifesting as a sister. It’s evidence that this ministry is working.
Worst thing to happen?
I can’t think of anything to fit that metric. Perhaps it hasn’t happened yet.
How would you respond to someone who disagrees with what you’re doing?
I find it hard to believe that anyone would have a problem with a group of people committed to making people’s lives better. If they have a problem with the thematic elements, however, then I look forward to seeing the specific way they go out and do good in the world. We are are building the same community together, and it isn’t my place to tell someone that they’re doing it wrong if the outcome is for the better.
Why does the world need the Blue Suede Sisters as opposed to the other groups working on LGBTQ+ issues?
I wouldn’t say that we are needed as “opposed” to other groups. I would say we are needed IN ADDITION to other groups. There is no limit of space in this work for new people and groups. Love is limitless, and there is room for all of us.
When your friends/family find out that you’re a Sister, what do they say or ask?
Oh they loved it. I have a rule that I won’t do anything that I wouldn’t tell my mother about. It’s a way I make sure I’m not doing anything I would be ashamed of. As such, I’ve been pretty open with everyone I know and everyone I meet about my involvement with the sisters. To do anything otherwise would be indicative of guilt, which is precisely the opposite of what the sisters are all about.
Tell me about someone who has influenced the Sisters.
The sisters are all about freedom of expression, art based activism, screwing with gender and sexuality norms, and generally going against the grain. Anyone who champions those causes is going to be someone we look to. Divine, Ellen Degeneres, Joan of Arc, Marsha P Johnson, and Freddie Mercury. We look up to those who have been unapologetically themselves in the face of adversity.
What might someone be surprised to know about the group?
ANYONE CAN JOIN! People tend to think that we are just a bunch of gay men, but it simply isn’t true. Any member of the community who feels called to do the work of spreading joy is welcome to join us, providing they are 18+ and a human being. We do not have any restrictions on race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, creed, or age (over 18). If you feel the calling to join us, contact us and we will help you find your vocation.
What would you tell someone who wants to join your group? Is that even a possibility?
Throw your expectations out the window. We are intentionally silly in all things we do, including the paperwork and meetings. Yes, there is a lot of work involved, but we do it because we want to, not because we feel obligated. Therefore, we make sure to have fun in the work.
What do you think will change about LGBTQ issues and the Sisters over the next five years?
I honestly have no idea. They say the goal of any non profit is to make themselves unnecessary because the need is no longer there. I don’t think that is something that will happen to us, because the world will always need Joy.
If you weren’t involved here, what would you be doing instead?
There’s no telling. Probably trying to find ways to better my community.
What do you wish other people knew about the Blue Suede Sisters?
We love you, and we want you to be joyful without the burden of stigma, guilt, or hate. If we can put on these outfits and go out in public being as ridiculous and glittery as possible, then you can do whatever it is that you’re scared to do. 🙂
