The Los Angeles Dodgers recently decided to overturn their previous stance, now opting to welcome the drag performance group, “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,” known for its anti-Catholic views, to their LGBTQ Pride Night.
As we reported last week the Dodgers had earlier rescinded their invitation to the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.” This occurred in response to considerable objection from multiple Catholic groups who voiced their concern about the troupe’s derogatory imagery and position towards the Catholic faith.
According to their website, the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” employs a blend of humor and audacious wit in their approach to challenge bigotry, complacency, and guilt, which they claim, bind the human spirit. They were set to be recognized with the Community Hero Award during the game on June 16, a decision that sparked controversy.
Tracing their roots back to 1979, the nonprofit’s history includes an initial appearance on Easter Sunday, where three men clad in traditional nun’s attire, with one bearing a machine gun, paraded around the streets of San Francisco.
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), was amongst those critical of the Dodgers’ initial invitation to the troupe. Rubio expressed his concern that the inclusion of such a group, offensive to many Catholics and Christians, was contradictory to the Dodgers’ self-proclaimed mission to be an organization that was inclusive and welcoming to all.
The Florida senator questioned, “Do you believe that the Los Angeles Dodgers are being ‘inclusive and welcoming to everyone’ by giving an award to a group of gay and transgender drag performers that intentionally mocks and degrades Christians—and not only Christians, but nuns, who devote their lives to serving others?”
Following strong opposition from LGBTQ activists, the Dodgers decided to reverse their previous decision.
They extended their apologies to the drag performance group via a public statement issued on Monday, vowing to showcase them at their LGBTQ+ Pride Night on June 16.
The statement read, “After much thoughtful feedback from our diverse communities, honest conversations within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and generous discussions with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Los Angeles Dodgers would like to offer our sincerest apologies to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their friends and families.”
Further explaining their decision, the Dodgers said, “We have asked the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to take their place on the field at our 10th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night on June 16th. We are pleased to share that they have agreed to receive the gratitude of our collective communities for the lifesaving work that they have done tirelessly for decades.”
In a concluding remark, the Dodgers assured that they would work closely with their LGBTQ+ partners to further educate themselves and seek methods to strengthen the bonds within their diverse fan base.
Social media users were split over this decision. Some applauded the Dodgers for taking a stand, while others were less supportive:
The Los Angeles Dodgers are about to learn the meaning of the phrase “get woke, go broke.”