Tulsa Sisters ask: How about some “Fun with Nuns?”

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

Well, Lord have mercy, child. Another “Sisters of the Perpetual Indulgence” branch is forming and this time it’s in Tulsa, OK. Right now, The Tulsa Sisters are completing their final project which will hopefully lead to international recognition as "The Tulsa Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.”

There are four steps to becoming a Sister. When someone expresses interest, they are encouraged to meet with the Mistress of Novices. That is currently Sister Eureka Fear for Tulsa.

“We have an initial chat to see what their interests and motivations are and if they would be a good fit,” said Sister Fear. “They are then presented to the Abbey as an 'Aspirant', and encouraged to attend meetings and events.”

From there it is a very long process of learning responsibilities, requirements and events. But they must take their vows first before they may wear full makeup and costume.

“All people who care about LGBTIA issues are eligible for membership. While the first Sisters were gay men, we are open to male, female, transgendered members…anyone,” adds Sister Fear. “Anyone who wants to make a difference is encouraged to join, and diversity only makes us stronger.”

Each given a sponsor/mentor during these steps and for about the next six months they further learn their craft, develop their ministry and complete a "Novice Project" to show their ability to organize others in community service.

“We ‘Raise money, Raise awareness and Raise spirits’ in Tulsa,” adds the queer nun. “Right now we are focused on our final requirements for international recognition by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Once that is complete, we’ll be throwing our "Exequatur Celebration" of our induction.

“During the year, much of the money we collect goes into a grant fund which will be given out to a local charity at the celebration. From that moment on, we plan to host an annual "Red Dress Party" during which we will announce that year's grant recipient. Sisters individually and as an Abbey have benefitted HOPE testing, Our House, Too, Friend for a Friend, T.U.L.S.A. and local families in need.

The Tulsa Sisters will continue doing their monthly “4th Friday” shows at Club Majestic called “Fun with Nuns,” where they showcase local talent.

“We hope to continue our HIV outreach and prevention and support of the Tulsa Open Arms Youth Project. We would love to bring some other Sister tradition events from other cities to Tulsa such as Project Nunway, a fundraiser that showcases local fashion designers.”

It’s at events like this that the sisters do most of their recruiting.

“We try to make the most of our manifestations as have as much fun as possible,” she adds. “It does take a lot of hard work to put to do the makeup and costuming and organize a manifestation. But once the show starts and you assume your Sister identity, you just let it all out and go crazy. We do try to gather socially and hope to do so more often once we finish our recognition process.”

So one might ask, why would someone want to become a Sister or a Guard?

“I would say that we attract people who are looking for a creative way to do service to the LGBTIA community,” the beautiful Sister Fear responds. “Some want to perform, some are artistic, some are actors, dancers, drag kings and queens. No one's calling to the Sisterhood is the same.”

If you are interested in joining or finding out more about The Tulsa Sisters, visit www.thetulsasisters.org. You can also look up the The Tulsa Sisters or any of their members on Facebook.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were formed in San Francisco in 1979 with the mission: To Promulgate Universal Joy and Expiate Stigmatic Guilt.

October 12, 2013