Sisters of the Sacred Heartland
What is it that they do anyway?
Well, they’re “Spreading Joy, Ending Guilt, and Serving Oklahoma City” in a very unique way. These are the Nuns (male or female) you see all around OKC’s gay community and sometimes in Tulsa, dressed in lavish make-up, out spreading cheer and raising money for great causes - mostly LGBT causes!
“We try to focus on charities that serve the LGBT community, or that assist a neglected portion of the population,” said Sister Ishtar. “We are moving to a grant-based system this year, so that groups we don't currently have contact with can apply for aid, and we can hopefully expand the reach of our good works.”
Since February of 2011, the Sisters have raised approximately $4000 for various charities in the Oklahoma City area. “It may not sound like much, but most of our membership has no fundraising experience,” adds Sister Ishtar. “We're learning fast, and we hope to be able to match other Sister Houses in fundraising as time goes on.”
The Sisters of The Sacred Heartland began in the fall of 2010. Sister Libby began watching Sister Unity's (LA-SPI) YouTube videos online. After doing some research, she contacted the United Nuns Privy Counsel to inquire about starting a house in Oklahoma. Later, she visited a nearby group in Dallas for World AIDS Day event, solidifying the interest in building this organization to help meet the needs of our community.
Currently, there are 12 active members of the OKC Order, and several aspiring members, and the group hopes to gather more. Interestingly, all make-up is exquisitely done by each member.
“Our makeup and attire is a way for us to express our individual personality,” adds the Sister. “We have had some help with the construction of our headpieces from a good friend to the Order, but by and large we use our costumes as a creative outlet.”
Founding OKC members are: Sisters Samoa CrackaToa, Libby Rayshun, Ishtar, Merry MeatnPart, Heidi McCooch, Flo B. Fresh, Spreada Mae Vagae, AnaHeata TheMoment and Guard’s Pho Fun and Patriarch le Fleur.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Order, the first step is to send an e-mail to okcsisters@gmail.com or approach members of the Order when they're out in face! The process of becoming a Sister has several stages, and usually takes about a year to complete.
“Like "real" nuns, we take vows of service, and they are life-long,” adds Ishtar. “Becoming a Sister or a Guard is an important commitment to giving back to the communities we find ourselves in - we have a lot of fun doing it, but the work itself is serious!”
In addition, the Sisters were recently granted Exequatur from the United Nuns Privy Council, which basically means they have taken vows, and are allowed to use the trademark of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. They are celebrating this milestone September 28th-30th at an event called CIRQUE du KINQUE. Main event will be held the 29th at 7:30pm at Angles in Oklahoma City. Sisters from all over the US and the world (!!!) will be attending.
“This is a chance for us to showcase our city and our LGBT community, and we hope that Gayly readers will join us!” Ishtar said in closing.
(Editor’s note: Sisters never use their real names when they are representing the Superfluity).