In a recent turn of events surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers’ annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night, a heated controversy has emerged following the team’s decision to revoke an invitation extended to the renowned drag group, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The Dodgers cited concerns about deviating from the “spirit of unity” as the reason behind their action. However, the move has drawn criticism, leading to LA Pride, a long-standing partner of the Dodgers, publicly announcing their non-participation in this year’s Pride Night event.
LA Pride, an organization responsible for organizing the city’s annual parade celebrating LGBTQ+ life and culture, has been actively advocating for gay rights throughout the year. Expressing disappointment, LA Pride took to Twitter, emphasizing that the fight for equality and inclusion for the entire LGBTQ+ community will continue undeterred.
Initially, the Dodgers had planned to honor The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during their game against the San Francisco Giants on June 16. This event, which has become a meaningful tradition, aims to highlight the diversity and resilience within the Dodgers’ fanbase while recognizing the extraordinary work of community groups. However, the inclusion of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence has sparked controversy, prompting the team to reconsider its decision.
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is an activist group known for their drag performances as nuns, accompanied by intricate makeup. They have been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights activism for several decades and played a significant role in organizing fundraisers for AIDS victims during the early 1980s.
The controversy surrounding the Dodgers’ Pride Night escalated further when Senator Marco Rubio of Florida wrote a letter to the Major League Baseball commissioner, criticizing the team for honoring The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Rubio labeled the group as “anti-Catholic” and accused them of mocking the faith and encouraging a perversion of Jesus’s teachings.
In response to the controversy, the Dodgers clarified that while they did not disclose the offended parties, they made the decision to remove The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from the group of honorees, considering the strong sentiments expressed by those offended. The team’s intention was to avoid detracting from the positive impact of Pride Night over the years. The announcement coincided with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.
Consequently, the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence expressed their disappointment in the Dodgers’ decision, stating that it represents the club’s withdrawal of support from their ongoing public service efforts. They lamented the team’s choice to distance themselves from the group’s work, suggesting external pressures influenced the decision.
The fallout from the Dodgers’ uninvitation of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence continues to reverberate, with the controversy serving as a reminder of the challenges faced in creating an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. As discussions persist, the focus remains on the ongoing struggle for unity and solidarity among diverse communities within the larger framework of equality.