In the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday my phone goes off intermittently with the same message, “Are you going to Hunky Jesus?” The answer is, of course, yes. Easter in the Park with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence began on Easter Sunday 1979 and as annual San Francisco traditions go, this one is more relevant today than almost anytime in its 45 year history.
On the final day of March, Dolores Park transformed into a spectacle of glitter, glamour, and irreverent celebration as the Sisters kicked off their Easter Celebration. Hosted by longtime SPI Member Sister Roma, and community activist, RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, and Trans pioneer Honey Mahogany the event began with a kid friendly program, and an easter egg hunt as the revelers filed in.
Then the Sisters elevated a few people to their version of sainthood, including the original Catwoman Julie Newmar, a longtime LGBTQ activist, who will be sainted in a few weeks at her home in Los Angeles. The honor was accepted in San Francisco, by Newmar’s queer brother John Newmayer.
Next, the first of the three contests, a parade of custom easter bonnets. All manner of floral, pastel, bunny and egg-laden tributes crossed the stage but one very tall entry from a person named simply Miguel, encouraged the gathered masses to vote in the upcoming election. The thousands in attendance voted with their voice, and Miguel was proclaimed the 2024 Easter Bonnet winner. From the stage it was mentioned that this is Miguel’s 8th victory.
Next, the Foxy Mary contest spotlights the feminine energy of the event and one entrant in particular immediately had the crowd on her side, Puta Mary. Dressed in red and black with a long crucifix around her neck, Puta Mary carried a sign that said “Sex Workers Rights Are Human Rights.” In a brief speech after her win, Puta Mary called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to cheers, though the “decolonize now” chant she attempted to start never got its footing.
Up next, The Hunky Jesus contest. About a dozen entrants with concepts like “Disco Ball Jesus” with a mirror ball for a head and a message about queer clubs being sacred spaces, “White Trash Jesus” with his PBRs, or “Horny Jesus” with a very prominent latex erection, but one Jesus in particular stood out from the pack. Coming on the heels of the wildly successful Barbie movie it was “Jesus Ken” who would take the crown as the 2024 Hunky Jesus winner.
Complete with cross, crown of thorns, shiny pink underwear, no shirt and a full sized retail box, Jesus Ken won with the perfect combination of humorous sacrilege, pop-culture relevancy and … abs. Know your audience.
After some thanks from the Sisters the thousands on the hill and lawns began to pack up their blankets and head for the bars but not before a group of activists took over the stage — with the support of Sister Roma — to call for an immediate stop to the military action in Gaza. A San Francisco ending if ever there was one.
In a city known for its progressive values and acceptance of diverse lifestyles, Hunky Jesus serves as a reminder of the freedom to express oneself authentically. You need look no further than Dolores Park on Easter Sunday to find the very best of San Francisco. A diverse culture coming together to share judgment-free joy and sunshine with our neighbors.
The use of religious iconography takes the power back from the institutions that would use those very symbols to oppress the LGBTQ community. For many in San Francisco and beyond, Easter in the Park with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is more than just a playful annual event — it’s a symbol of empowerment and liberation, and that is the true message of Easter.
Christopher J. Beale is an award winning journalist and media host based in San Francisco, christopherjbeale.com
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More photos from Hunky Jesus 2024
All photos by Christopher J. Beale for The Bold Italic.
