Who We Are
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.
Founded locally in the summer of 2016, the Cincinnati Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have been a vibrant source of joy, love, and inclusivity within the Queen City’s LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. In December 2016, we proudly became a Mission House of the global order, solidifying our commitment to serve and uplift our community through diverse and dynamic initiatives.
Our Values
Freedom of Expression
In alignment with our philosophy, we believe in minimizing restrictions on artistic creativity. While certain events may require adherence to specific attire—such as wearing our house coronet—our members are generally encouraged to develop unique and abstract habits. This includes incorporating white-face makeup and other elements into their appearances. We value individuality and view our faces and bodies as canvases for artistic expression, as we are both artists and social activists.
Diversity and Inclusivity
Our vision has evolved from the initial focus on "Gay Male Nuns" to a more inclusive approach, embracing all individuals who resonate with our mission. We are a queer family, and “queer” represents the freedom to be an individual within a close-knit community. The Cincinnati Sisters, also known as “TCS”, “the Order”, or “the House”, welcome members of all genders, sexual orientations, and identities. We reject the idea of segregating people into different affiliated organizations, as doing so contradicts our core values. Our rigorous screening process ensures that new members align with our philosophy and are committed to working collaboratively within the community.
Social Activism
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (also referred to as “SPI”) houses are, by their very nature, political change agents. While some members may prefer to focus on the social service or spiritual aspects of our work, all must recognize the political nature of our mission. Our membership engages in demonstrations, fundraising, and other activities that address social issues and support charitable causes.
Social Service
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have a long history of service, having printed the world’s first safe sex pamphlet and organized the first AIDS benefit. We continue this tradition by raising funds for various social causes, visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and serving the community in numerous ways. We are not mocking traditional nuns; we are modern-day nuns fulfilling a mission of compassion and service.
Spiritual Development
While TCS have no affiliation with any specific religion, we encourage our members to explore their spirituality, whether through traditional or nontraditional paths. We foster an environment where members can discover and express their inner qualities, always considering the image of our organization in the community. We promote tolerance and support each other in overcoming negative impulses that may arise within us or the broader queer culture.
Commitment
Becoming a Fully Professed Member (FPM) of TCS signifies a lifelong dedication to our house, community, and fellow members. The journey to FPM status is challenging, requiring unwavering commitment to our ideals and the willingness to make personal sacrifices.
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Members may not always agree with the direction of the house, but they are expected to work for the collective good. Throughout our history, Sisters have performed essential, sometimes difficult, tasks, and have continued to serve even in the face of personal hardship. This selflessness embodies what it means to be a nun, to support the community, and to serve humanity.
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While TCS values freedom of expression, members must always remember that our work is about the collective mission, not individual preferences. Upholding the values of the Order and supporting one another is paramount.
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To be a Sister is to serve with dedication, prioritizing the needs of the community while remaining true to our purpose of spreading joy and expiating guilt.
Photo Wall - See these Nuns in Action
