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Drag Queen Group’s Easter Event Featuring ‘Hunky Jesus’ Contest Sparks Backlash
A San Francisco-based drag queen collective is facing criticism following its annual transgender-inclusive Easter celebration. The event, which included activities intended for children and a satirical ‘Hunky Jesus’ competition, has ignited debate and drawn condemnation from some quarters.
‘No Easter Without the T’ Celebration
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, identifying themselves as a ‘queer and trans nuns’ order, organized the ‘No Easter without the T’ gathering on Easter Sunday. Organizers stated the event was conceived to honor transgender individuals, described as being ‘under siege’.
Activities for Children and Public Response
The controversial event, staged in Dolores Park, San Francisco, featured morning activities for children encompassing an Easter egg hunt, relay races, and storytelling sessions. Later in the day, the ‘Hunky Jesus’ contest attracted a significant and boisterous audience, estimated at approximately 10,000 attendees.
‘Hunky Jesus’ Contest Highlights Satirical Performances
The ‘Hunky Jesus’ competition became the focal point, featuring drag performances that included satirical impersonations of political figures. A performer impersonating ‘Donald Trump’ took center stage, with contestants in drag offering parodies of the former president.
Provocative Performances Draw Mixed Reactions
One participant, who adopted the moniker ‘F**k Donald Trump Jesus’, generated significant attention and controversy by simulating a sexual act with a Donald Trump doll while the crowd cheered. This performance led to a runner-up placement in the competition.
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‘Cowboy Carter Jesus’ Crowned Winner
Ultimately, the title of ‘Hunky Jesus’ was awarded to a contestant known as ‘Cowboy Carter Jesus’. The winner celebrated by brandishing a gay pride flag while positioned atop a large, glitter-covered buffalo, a clear reference to Beyonce’s recent artistic persona. In his acceptance speech, ‘Cowboy Carter Jesus’ voiced political opinions critical of the current administration and denounced ‘right-wing supremacists’ perceived as threats to the transgender community.
The winner, Wesley Walker, aged 19, revealed his familial connection to the clergy, stating that both his father and grandfather had served as Baptist ministers. He emphasized a message of inclusivity, contrasting it with what he described as the ‘hate and intolerance’ promoted by right-wing conservatives.
‘Foxy Mary’ Contest Adds to Event’s Satirical Nature
Adding to the event’s provocative nature was the ‘Foxy Mary’ contest, which featured participants dressed as Mother Mary in bikinis and holding pro-choice signs, expressing liberal viewpoints.
Organizers Defend Event’s Purpose
Organizers explained the motivations behind the event, emphasizing concerns about the treatment of transgender people.
Concerns Over Transgender Rights and Comparisons to Historical Oppression
Sister Shalita Corndog, 46, an event organizer, asserted that a movement exists to ‘erase trans people’. Corndog drew a stark comparison, equating the perceived level of hatred to that of Nazi Germany’s Third Reich, and likened the current political administration to Nazi leadership, warning of potential ‘extermination camps’.
Jukie Sunshine, 55, expressed strong support for the event, highlighting its importance in combating ‘fascism’ and advocating for trans rights and immigrant rights.
Event Atmosphere and Public Commentary
Attendees described a festive atmosphere with ‘camaraderie’, despite the controversial nature of the event. Alcohol vendors offered themed drinks with satirical names referencing Christian symbolism, while commentary critical of the former President was common among participants.
Defense of Satire and Religious Commentary
Sister T’aint A Virgin, 46, another organizer, characterized the large turnout as a ‘positive reflection’ of their collective work and commitment. He described their group as ‘holy fools’ employing ‘levity’ to address ‘blasphemous or controversial topics’.
Kyle Quinn, 39, who performed as ‘F**k Donald Trump,’ stated that he was raised Catholic but no longer practices the religion. He explained his costume choice as inspired by his strong opposition to the former president.
Criticism and Defense of Free Speech
While celebrated in San Francisco, the event has faced condemnation, particularly from conservative voices who labeled it ‘sacrilegious’.
Political and Social Media Backlash
Past recognition of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence by the Los Angeles Dodgers drew criticism from political figures like then-Senator Marco Rubio, who specifically denounced the group’s Easter ceremony as ‘blasphemous imitation of Jesus and Mary’.
Concerns were also raised regarding the event’s appeal to children, with some online commentators expressing disapproval of activities aimed at underage individuals. Critics on social media platforms like X voiced outrage, deeming the event ‘disgraceful and disgusting’, particularly due to the presence of children. Libs of TikTok, a conservative social media account, accused the organizers of hypocrisy for inviting children while also suggesting parts of the event might be unsuitable for them.
Organizers Reaffirm Event’s Blasphemous Intent and Satirical Mission
Despite the criticism, event organizers remained firm in their purpose. Sister Corndog acknowledged the ‘blasphemous’ nature of the ‘Hunky Jesus’ contest but asserted that this blasphemy serves the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s mission: to ‘expiate stigmatic and religious guilt’ through ‘satire and humor’.