Meet some of the members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence…

Novitiate Sister Broomhilde 
von Bratwurst

What do you love most about being a Sister?

I love the opportunity to have fun, push boundaries, and support local charities at the same time.

Why did you get involved with the Mad City Sisters?

I love the sense of community and belonging. It allows me to use my theatrical skills for a good cause.

Please share a fun Mad City Sisters anecdote.

On my first outing as a Sister, our group received a standing ovation upon entering a bar. A few unsuspecting patrons were taken by surprise and after very reverently offering their barstools to us, asked, “Who on earth are you?” It was wonderful that despite not knowing who we were, they showed such respect.

The Mad City Sisters are a fun group with a serious mission. How do you mix the two?

We use our appearance to draw attention to the needs in our community. It’s very difficult to say no to a nun in whiteface selling raffle tickets!

Sister Shawnti Fey

What do you love most about being a Sister?

What I really love most about being a Sister is the chance to interact with people in the community on a one-on-one basis and talk with them about safer sex and the joys expressing our individuality.

Why did you get involved with the Mad City Sisters?

I have to make my community a better place, not only for the LGBTQ community of the present, but also for everyone living in it and for our children. What better way than to mix drag, community outreach, and silliness.

Please share a fun Mad City Sisters anecdote.

My favorites are when we are traveling on the Square between bars and we get stopped on the street to “explain” who we are. The look on peoples’ faces when they realize that we are not in costume and we are really nuns out doing good work is great to see. We usually have the opportunity to pass out a few condoms and safer-sex information. Got to help keep the community healthy, you know.

The Mad City Sisters are a fun group with a serious mission. How do you mix the two?

With fabulous makeup, outfits, and condoms. Who could not have a good time with men and women dressed like mad drag clown nuns who pass out condoms to the masses?

Nov. Sr. Perversula 
Fellaladieux, Mistress of the Quill, 
The Mad City Sisters, Inc.

What do you love most about being a Sister?

My favorite part is watching the range of expressions on the faces of those we meet for the first time. Surprise, shock, amusement, and then curiosity is the normal gamut. Curiosity is my favorite of all. It breeds education.

Please share a fun Mad City Sisters anecdote.

My favorite was a 50/50 raffle we ran for a children’s charity. We were not given a lot of instruction from the event organizers, and had a few bumps in the evening. But when the winner of the 50/50 raffle threw his $200+ prize into the donation bin, we were all reminded not to take anything, especially ourselves, too seriously.

The Mad City Sisters are a fun group with a serious mission. How do you mix the two?

I believe humor and absurdity are great tools for breaking down barriers. Throughout history, the sacred clown has always appeared to shed light in the darkest of places, and to instruct with irreverence and wit. The Sisters proudly carry on this tradition, spreading joy and fun with a purpose.

Novitiate Sister Suckajaweena

What do you love most about being a Sister?

I love being with a group of people who wish to do good for the community in a creative and unrestrained fashion.

Why did you get involved with the Mad City Sisters?

I knew of the Sisters in high school and fell in love with a picture of a cute Sister on a bike in San Francisco.

The Mad City Sisters are a fun group with a serious mission. How do you mix the two?

I’m surprised more groups don’t mix it up. I love that we aren’t confined to a certain standard. I think everyone is trying to hard to be like everyone else, and they aren’t allowing themselves the chance to explore who they really are. We do that and help others at the same time, which—for some of us—is our true selves.

Novitiate Sister Pi-Rho Tecknique

What do you love most about being a Sister?

I love being asked what I am and why we’re doing it.

Why did you get involved with the Mad City Sisters?

I was approached by Sister Shawnti Fey when she wanted to start a Madison House of SPI.

The Mad City Sisters are a fun group with a serious mission. How do you mix the two?

How can you not? Once you mix levity with seriousness, the message is both easier to deliver, and, quite often, readily heard and understood.