The Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday rescinded their Pride Night invitation to a famous gay nonprofit performing in drag, saying the troupe’s presence would run counter to the event’s “spirit of unity.”
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were to be honored on June 16 at a game between the Dodgers and the visiting San Francisco Giants before the home team changed course.
“This event has become a meaningful tradition that highlights not only the diversity and resilience of our fan base, but also the impactful work of extraordinary community groups,” according to a holder’s declaration. “We are now aware that our inclusion of one group in particular – The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – in this year’s Pride Night has been the source of some controversy.”
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence was founded in San Francisco in 1979. The activist group’s members dress as nuns with elaborate makeup and have been at the forefront of LGBTQ rights activism for decades. In the early 80s, the group was e.g. hosting some of the world’s first fundraisers for AIDS victims.
Earlier this week, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., had complained to Major League Baseball that the Dodgers were honoring that group. In a letter to the MLB commissioner on his website, he called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence an “anti-Catholic” group with members “who mock the faith” and encourage “the perversion of Jesus’ command to ‘go and sin no more.’ “
While not naming any aggrieved parties offended by the group’s presence, the LA team said it would be best if those artists weren’t at Dodger Stadium that night.
“Given the strong feelings of people who have been offended by the sisters’ inclusion in our evening, and in an effort not to distract from the great benefits that we have seen over the years with Pride Night, we are deciding to remove them from this year’s honoree,” according to the team.
The team’s announcement was made on Wednesday, which marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
The Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence said the Dodgers’ move represents the club’s decision to “un-ally” from the nonprofit group’s efforts.
“Today, we are saddened to learn that the Los Angeles Dodgers have chosen to revoke their award, succumbing to pressure from individuals outside the state of California and outside our community,” according to a group statement. “We are disappointed that they have chosen to un-ally with us in our ongoing service to the public, many of whom enjoy the Dodgers’ heroic efforts in sports.”
