Some 38 years ago fabulous Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the beloved saviors of the queer community on so many levels started their HUNKY JESUS COMPETITION. It was started back then specifically to combat Catholic anti-gay sentiments and it has become one of San Francisco’s most popular annual events. 

Queerguru is going to attend for the very first time so we decided to take a look at what to expect this Easter ….. which also marks the 44th Anniversary of the Sisters.  Who would have thought what started as a lark when a couple of gay men donned nuns’ habits and went to the Castro on a lark, and realized there was a need for nondenominational and nonjudgmental ministry. 

This year’s theme “Peep Show”  in Dolores Park on Easter Sunday April 9th,  will explore all the permutations from sugary sweets to North Beach diversions.

The day will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Children’s Easter featuring a special appearance by the Easter bunny, an Easter egg hunt, storytime, and other family-friendly activities. At the conclusion of Children’s Easter,  the show becomes more adult-oriented as the day progresses. 

At noon, San Francisco trans activist, performer, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Honey Mahogany will take the Main Stage to host a variety show full of fierce performers, surprise guests and sister miracles. This year’s lineup features San Francisco favorites Connie Champagne, Kitten on the Keys, Polesexual, Baloney, The Cockettes featuring Steven Satyricon, Trixxie Carr, Alex U Inn and The Mommaz Boyz, and a Drag Revue starring Linda Summers, Christina Ashton, Nikita Vega, Theresa Giudcoochie & Tony OMFG!

Throughout the day the audience will take center stage as they show off their Easter spirit by competing in the colorful Easter Bonnet contest. but the highlight of the day is the world-famous Foxy Mary and Hunky Jesus Contests.

All sorts of Jessuses line up eagerly to compete for the Holy Toilet. In various states of dress ….some very skimpy and in the past there has been ‘Water Into Wine Jesus’ ‘Jesus Christ  Super Star’ ‘Yoga Jesus’  ‘Old Jesus’ ‘New Jesus’, Sweet Jesus’ ‘Drunk Jesus’  and even ‘Two Chessusses’  ,  In 2022 the Sisters crowned their first IRL Hunky Jesus winner in over two years: Black Woman Is God, who slightly edged out Matthew McConaughey on a Pogo Stick for the crown. And for the Foxy Mary winner? That honor went to Transgender Maria de Guadalupe