HUNKY JESUS is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of the wildly popular, annual Easter Sunday tradition in San Francisco known as Hunky Jesus. Hosted by the legendary drag and activist group the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the event is a defiant expression of community, performance, and radical joy in the face of exclusion and repression.

Our film is anchored in Hunky Jesus 2023 and interweaves the Sisters’ rich history with event footage and firsthand testimonials, including current and former members of SPI and practicing Catholic laity and clergy members. Emcee’d by SPI icon Sister Roma and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Honey Mahogany, HUNKY JESUS showcases a series of burlesque and drag performances as well as themed contests that are a mix of satire, celebration, and social commentary, promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusivity, and religious parody.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have been a San Francisco institution for more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the community through their presence and performance activism. By promoting tolerance and advocating for the marginalized, they challenge societal norms with their distinctive style: donning non-traditional nun’s habits and painting their faces with elaborate, mask-like makeup (imagine Divine meets Bozo the Clown). Through their unique flair and individuality, they subvert expectations and push the boundaries of gender and sexuality.

Beyond their striking aesthetic, the Sisters have been at the forefront of social justice activism, confronting oppressive systems and ideologies that perpetuate discrimination, particularly within religious and conservative circles. By questioning societal norms and critiquing entrenched power structures, they have sparked dialogue and prompted a critical reexamination of long-held beliefs and prejudices.

At a time when anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is sweeping the country, the need for unity and vocal opposition to discrimination has never been greater. The Sisters embody this spirit by pushing back against these forces using radical joy as resistance and standing as beacons of hope for a more just and equitable future.