“It’s What’s Under the Coronet That Counts”

By Lauren Means | Photos Courtesy Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence^®  (SPI) is a charity, protest and street performance organization. The first house, The Mother House, was started 41 years ago in San Francisco when a group of gay men began wearing nun habits in visible situations to draw attention to social conflicts and problems in the Castro District. The sisters took vows to Promulgate Universal Joy and Expiate Stigmatic Guilt and their website states, “We are here for our community to foster hope, creativity, and wellness!”

Today, there are almost 1500 Sisters worldwide with over 50 houses in North America and houses on nearly every continent in the world. The Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (MCSPI)  formed in 2010 when they took the plunge and opened the Nashville house. While all houses are independent, they follow the founding mission statement of the Order in San Fransisco: 

“The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence^® are a leading-edge Order of queer and trans nuns. We believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty. Since our first appearance in San Francisco on Easter Sunday, 1979, the Sisters have devoted ourselves to community service, ministry and outreach to those on the edges, and to promoting human rights, respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment. We use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit.”

While the Music City Sisters are celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year, they’ve had to cancel all planned events until recently. I spoke with the Sisters to find out more about their purpose, how COVID-19 has affected them, and what we have to look forward to from the organization.

Lauren Means: What types of events and fundraisers do the Music City Sisters host and who benefits from the fundraisers?

Music City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence: Last year your Music City Sisters raised over ten thousand dollars that we granted to Middle Tennessee LGBTQ+ organizations. We have several fundraising events each year including The Pink Panty Pulldown, The Freak and Fetish Fashion Show, Soak A Sister, Bitches Ball and many more. We are a non-profit organization working with local LGBTQ+ organizations to help those in need. 

LM: How has COVID-19 affected the MCSPI?

MCSPI: COVID-19 has been extremely tough for the Sisters across the globe. We are a community outreach organization. We go where we are needed. We hug people, give them a smile, listen to them and generally try to make them feel fabulous. This is nearly impossible to do virtually. We have been challenged to continue our work online. We have been going through a metamorphosis of sorts. We long for the day we can hit the streets again and hug people! 

LM: How can readers help support the MCSPI?

MCSPI: Donations! If people want to help out, please use PayPal [email protected]. We also have Square, FB pay and many other ways to donate, so please use the “alms” email address above to find us where you donate. Also, email the “alms” address to ask for help in donating or with questions. Folks can also use Amazon Smile and search for the Music City Sisters to donate every time you order. Our general email is [email protected]

LM: Any upcoming events we can look forward to?

MCSPI: We are currently working on the Bitches Ball, where performers of all stripes compete to raise the most money and win the BB crown at the end of October. You can find more information on all social media by searching the Music City Sisters.

LM: Anything else you would like to add?

MCSPI: We want the readers to know that we Music City Sisters support all LGBTQ+ people no matter race, gender, religion, creed, or anything else. You are exactly who you are supposed to be and you are beautiful! We also encourage everyone to make a plan and vote or vote early and have your voice heard.

Don’t forget, as Sister Mary Chastity Mistress of Propaganda and Media says, “It’s what’s under the coronet that counts.”

Note: This story first appeared in Focus Middle Tennessee.