Community rallies around Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as anti-LGBTQ+ group protests library event

Dozens of community members rallied outside the library in Guerneville on Saturday in support of a story time hosted by the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence amid calls from an anti-LGBTQ+ group to cancel the event.

Clad in rainbow colors and waving Pride flags, supporters attempted to block from view a small group of protesters that had lined up on the sidewalk in front of the Sonoma County Library branch on Main Street.

Dan Samson, co-chair of Russian River Pride and one of about 40 locals who showed up, said it was critical for the community to push back against hateful rhetoric surrounding the event.

The story time, a Pride Month tradition in the queer-friendly town, caught attention on a larger stage after the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property launched an online petition demanding the library system cancel it.

The Pennsylvania-based organization of Catholic lay people accused the Sisters of “targeting the innocence of our children” by “flaunting their immoral lifestyle,” according to the online petition, which had been signed by nearly 21,000 people as of Saturday.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are an international street performance organization whose members use drag and religious imagery to highlight intolerance, but Christian groups have branded them as a hate group for mocking religious practices.

Officials with the library system didn’t cancel the event, which went on with little disruption despite the noisy demonstration outside.

Members of the Russian River order and library staff took turns reading from a selection of books that included “Twas the Night Before Pride,” a celebration of queer people who have fought for equality by Joanna McClintock.

Sister Sorenda’ da Booty read Raj Haldar’s “This Book is Banned,” to the mixed-ages crowd who excitedly followed along.

The library had extra staff on hand to ensure patrons were safe and it went smoothly. The branch is one of a few with security guards.

Just about five protesters had shown up by noon as families and other library patrons, including west county Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, settled inside for the event.

As the program continued, members of American TFP remained outside, reciting the Hail Mary and various Bible verses as one member played the bagpipe.

A volunteer with the group told The Press Democrat on Friday their intention was to alert Sonoma County residents to what was taking place and encourage people to show up in opposition.

A member who only identified himself as Joel said they were there to “pray the Rosary to reaffirm moral values.”

Library staff said the branch fielded calls all week from American TFP.

But Dara Bradds, deputy director of Sonoma County Library, said they were somewhat surprised protesters actually showed up. A similar notice was sent last year but no one showed, she said.

The protesters were overwhelmingly outnumbered by supporters, whose numbers swelled, as the event went on.

Supporters chanted “No fear, no hate,” and broke into singalongs, later bringing out a speaker and playing Sister Sledge’s “We are Family,” Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and other anthems to drown out the prayers.

Megan Hope, 62, said the Sisters have helped make the rural community more welcoming and have raised money for the senior center, homeless services and other local needs.

Hope came to support the Sisters and the library in response to what she described as “an attack on my community.”

Hope grew up as Catholic but said American TFP’s message is offensive.

The Sisters’ regularly host story time, and are one of several groups that participate in similar events at the library system’s 15 branches throughout the year. Their charitable work is one of the reasons the library stood by its partnership with the group, spokesperson Ray Holley told The Press Democrat.

Sister Yanita Letgo said American TFP was relying on religion to spread hate. Their message is exactly what the Sisters have been fighting against for decades, Letgo said.

Letgo, who has been around the organization for 13 years and a sister for five, said the Sisters are grateful for the community’s support.

The protesters rolled up their banner by 1 p.m. and crossed the street as community members waved them off.

Despite how progressive Guerneville is, west county remains a rural and diverse community with residents of different political and religious backgrounds, Samson said.

It’s important to show the LGBTQ community, particularly youth, that there’s a place for them and that they are welcomed.

“Everyone should be able to be their full self, every day, without fear” Samson said.

You can reach Staff Writer Paulina Pineda at 707-521-5268 or paulina.pineda@pressdemocrat.com. On X (Twitter) @paulinapineda22.