Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

I asked Rich Tramontozzi of the Bears of San Francisco to describe Sister Barbi – “Tireless, hard-working, inspiring, and fabulous! All the qualities of Mother Theresa, Moses, and more - but much sexier and no burning bush!”

 

Recently, I dragged poor Sister Barbi to the docks for our little get together.  For those of you that know Sister Barbi – you might be wondering “Sister Barbi working the docks, what’s so unusual about that?”  Actually, we met at the Ramp in Dogpatch – far, far away from the Castro.  So far, one might have to renew their gay visa upon returning to the Land of Oz.

 

Sister Barbi Mitzvah is the Board Chairnun, Sexytary and Bingo Chairnun for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.  She is in the main motherhouse in San Francisco.  The San Francisco Order is the largest and oldest Order in the world. Starting in 1979 with just four nuns, 29 years later the Order has risen over $1.0 million dollars for AIDS/HIV, Breast Cancer, LGBT causes and our furry friends – no not your husbear – the four legged kind.

 

Currently there are numerous Orders around the world with over 600 members.  The Sisters provide a “Voice for the Voiceless” while continuing to educate our community on safer sex practices and general harm reduction – sex, drugs, alcohol. 

 

 

The Complete Bear: Welcome to the other side of town.  I understand that you are the liaison between the nuns and the bears. 

 

Sister Barbi: I love the bears.  We just love all the bears over at BOSF and we love IBR Bingo.  We were an official sponsor this year and the Sisters supplied 2,000 Bear care Kits to IBR including condoms, lube and honey!! 

 

The Complete Bear: That was honey?  Oh, that explains a lot.  Sorry, let’s get to the real burning issues – how long does it take to do your make up?

 

Sister Barbi: When pushed, I can do it in about 20 minutes.  I’ve been known to do it backstage as Bingo is starting.  Most of the Sisters take considerably longer.  And a few, well – hours.

 

The Complete Bear: I realized there is a very extensive process to becoming ordained (actually Sister Barbi very patiently detailed the process, but we were on our second round – who can remember?) but is one assumed a name like a Confirmation, or what?  

 

Sister Barbi: Some orders have named their applicants, but most let them create their own personas.  For instance, I have three personas – one of which only comes out around Christmas.

 

The Complete Bear: Beyond the important fundraising and outreach that you do, what do you consider the mission of the Sisters?

 

Sister Barbi: I think we provide a space where people can come, be happy and forget their cares for a moment.   They come to bingo, they have fun, they laugh and they are amongst friends.  Of course, the Sisters do work in many areas including hospice care and home visits.

 

The Complete Bear: OK, hot topic – Halloween?  Obviously, San Francisco officials have closed down Castro Street due to all the problems in recent years, but that was a big event for the Sisters.

 

Sister Barbi: Yes, it was.  Just between me and you and a few bears, Halloween will be back – it just may not be outside.  But don’t tell anybody!!

 

The Complete Bear: We would never.  What advice do you have if someone is interested in joining the Order?

 

Sister Barbi: Follow your heart; use the Sisters as a sound box. 

 

The Complete Bear: Any messages to the bears?

 

Sister Barbi: We love you just the way you are, go forth and sin some more!