Drag performer and political activist Honey Mahogany recently celebrated a significant milestone in her career by being granted an Honorary Sainthood from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. "It's one of the biggest honors of my life," Mahogany shared, reflecting on this recognition as she prepares for the 2026 BFI Flare London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are a renowned group of queer and trans nuns who have merged activism with performance art for over forty years. Their story is captured in Jennifer Kroot's documentary, Hunky Jesus. This group is dedicated to eradicating religious guilt and spreading joy through unique and expressive performances.
A key facet of their mission, highlighted in the documentary, is the annual Easter Sunday event featuring the Foxy Mary and Hunky Jesus competition. Contestants reimagine biblical figures through performance, transforming the religious holiday into a celebration of community, art, and radical joy.
In addition to showcasing the vibrant competition, Hunky Jesus includes interviews with Sisters and prominent figures from the San Francisco community. One of these figures is Honey Mahogany, known from her stint on RuPaul’s Drag Race season five.
After her appearance on the show, Mahogany turned her focus to activism and politics in San Francisco, California. She played a pivotal role in establishing The Transgender District, the world’s first legally recognized trans district. Her trailblazing efforts continued as she became the first trans person to serve on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee and the first Black trans person elected to public office in California. In 2024, Mahogany was appointed the director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives.
Early Encounters with the Sisters
"The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are a landmark organization," Mahogany stated. "They symbolize resilience and turning pain into power." Growing up in a sheltered environment with her immigrant family from Ethiopia, Mahogany had limited exposure to diversity until she saw the Sisters on the news protesting during Pope John Paul II’s visit. Initially shocking to her Catholic family, this exposure became a turning point for Mahogany, leading her to shed internalized homophobia and embrace the Sisters’ history of activism.
Mahogany's connection to the Sisters deepened through her friendship with Sister Roma, whom she met over two decades ago while performing. "The rest," as Mahogany puts it, "is history."
Art as a Political Statement
The documentary Hunky Jesus sparked reflections on the intersection of art and politics. Mahogany observed, "In today's world, just existing is political. Every performance makes a statement, reflecting societal values and internal struggles." For Mahogany, drag is inherently political, transcending gender norms and challenging societal expectations.
The Sisters’ events, like the Hunky Jesus competition and Project Nunway, are grand theatrical productions that celebrate diversity and creativity. Mahogany has hosted and performed at these events, marveling at the extravagant costumes and the inclusive, joyous atmosphere.
From Drag to Politics
While Mahogany's grandfather was a senator and ambassador, she initially had no political aspirations. However, her experiences with Amnesty International and witnessing political shifts during her university years ignited her interest in advocacy.
Her first full-time role as a homeless outreach worker exposed her to the injustices faced by LGBTQ+ individuals expelled from their homes. Determined to make a difference, Mahogany pursued a master’s in social work, equipping her with skills for policy analysis and advocacy.
Today, as the Director of the Office of Transgender Initiatives, she works to bridge the gap between government and the trans community. Her initiatives include establishing gender-neutral bathrooms and policies allowing individuals to use chosen names, regardless of official documents.
The Reality of LGBTQ+ Life
In San Francisco, a sanctuary city within a sanctuary state, significant progress has been made in protecting LGBTQ+ rights. Despite challenges from state-level budget cuts, Mahogany remains committed to making San Francisco a welcoming place for all, especially communities of color and trans individuals.
"We want trans people to be thriving," she affirms, acknowledging the ongoing struggles while drawing inspiration from history and the potential for a brighter future.
Hunky Jesus will be screened at the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival on March 18 and 19. Tickets are available for those interested in this celebration of art and activism.
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