Milwaukee Pride Inc. has scheduled the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group known for performances that have drawn criticism from Catholic organizations, to open the main stage at the 30th annual PrideFest. The local Brew City chapter will open the festival on Thursday.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, known locally as the Brew City Sisters, are a troupe of biological males who dress in drag as Catholic nuns. Their use of religious habits, symbols, and terminology in satirical skits and appearances that Catholic bishops, the Catholic League, and other faith leaders have repeatedly condemned as hateful mockery and blasphemy targeting the Catholic Church.
Catholic Bishop Robert Barron has described the group as an “anti-Catholic hate group.” In 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced national criticism and calls for boycotts from Catholic organizations after initially honoring the Sisters at a Pride Night event.
Scheduling the Sisters to perform early on opening day has raised concerns among conservatives and faith communities in a city with a deep Catholic heritage and a large population of practicing Catholics tied to its Polish, German, and Irish heritage.
This unfortunate decision aligns with a pattern in Pride celebrations of elevating provocative, overtly sexual, and religion-mocking acts, even though they seek broader community partnerships and corporate sponsorship.
For many Wisconsinites who value religious liberty, the prominent inclusion of the Sisters at the outset of PrideFest sends a clear message about the festival’s direction and target audience.
