By Colby Kluthe- Vice-President- Metro East PrideMetroEast NEWS
September 2, 2010
(ST. LOUIS)
Gateway Sisters Become a Fully Vested Order
The Gateway Sisters of Indulgence were recently elevated to a "Full House" of the International Order of Perpetual Indulgence. A quest begun five years ago.
In 2005, two gay men from St. Louis visited Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco, CA and encountered two sisters who were accepting donations for admission to the fair.
Upon further inquiry they learned of the international organization established in 1979, which raises money for HIV/AIDS education as well as numerous other charities.
Shortly thereafter, they returned to St. Louis and began in earnest the formation of a local order. The Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization. Our local Order has more than 10 fully professed Sisters & Guards, as well as novices who too, will someday become fully professed.
Mother Superior - Kristie Kreams, and her co-founder Guard Brian O'knoitall, received the charge of the Gateway Sisters. Sister Right Sarong (Nashville SPI) presided over the ceremony, as well as SPI representatives from other Orders in the United States.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), also called Order of Perpetual Indulgence (OPI) in Australia and elsewhere, is a charity, protest, and street performance organization that uses drag and Catholic imagery to call attention to sexual intolerance and satirize issues of gender and morality.
By 2007, the Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence had been recognized as a "mission" of the International Order. The process of becoming fully vested, a mission must demonstrate community service , as well as a presence in our community that further acceptance of all people.
The Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence exequatur Ceremony was hosted at the Bad Dog Saloon August 28, 2010. This ceremony signifies its elevation to a full order of the International movement. Since our first Metro East Pride celebration in 2008, the sisters have been a mainstay of the our annual celebration in June.
They continue to support diversity & equality throughout our region. Each SPI Order is made up of Sisters, and the more masculine counter-part the Guards. Each has a very clear mission, and a love-spirit calling, to which each of them have answered.
As an observer, there is no doubt they are as sanctified as any clergy person you will ever encounter. A clear and visable presence of peace and love in our community.
Community Dignitaries Project Ark, Transhaven Missouri, and Metro East Pride were in attendance, as well as fellow Sisters and Guards from Orders located in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Nashville.
For more information visit the Gateway Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence online or FACEBOOK.
(Photo Left- Sister Right Sarong)
ALL Photos provided by:
Larry Geller (Guard MoeCock) - Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
