A Postulant's Tale of Transformation

What an experience. I was finally able to join the YVR Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for an event and had enough courage to dress up for it. I went all in . . . "go big or go home" . . . so I went big. Here's my first transformation into Postulant Fancy Pants. I went with a red face because the event we went to was called "Red", a fundraising event for Positive Living BC (plus I am not allowed to present in white face until I am a Novice). I was so nervous since the morning that my nerves and stress aggravated my chronic low back pain. I was stiff and my back was very tender all day and night.

The nerves continued to applying glue on my eyebrows to applying my pink foundation to the drawing my eyebrows to putting red powder all over my face to putting on my fake eyelashes (4 times!) to finishing off lipstick. But, as the process went along (for 2 full hours) I was feeling more "Fancy". It was like an out-of-body experience where I saw me turning my head this way and that and sucking in my cheeks to get a "model" look. (Looking a photo collage now, I can see the nerves on my face as I was starting to my Zoolander moment when my face was done.)

LOVE IT!

I topped the make up off with a corset top that I made and a pair of black patent leather 5" heels. I could feel my Fancy Pants persona starting to emerge and that freaked me a bit. I was looking forward to this moment because I didn't know what aspect of my personality would break out. Well, I know now . . . she is quite the supermodel wannabe and that makes me feel confident that I chose the right name.

With amazing support from Sister Lois Price and Sister Festivus Illuminata, I not only did my face and dress up, but I also walked out into the public. More nerves but feeling okay with it.

The event was wonderful with such amazing, giving spirits helping to raise much need funds for Positive Living BC. I had a great time mingling with guests and felt really comfortable talking to people. After a while, I forgot that I had make up on and that I was wearing uncomfortable heels and a sausagy corset. And the amazing thing is that my make up stayed on the whole time.

I felt so beautiful and it was very difficult to want to take my make up off. I feel very comfortable in my own skin but I have never felt beautiful in my own skin but I really did tonight. It was a bit of a let down after washing off all the make up because a plain face was looking back at me but the memory of Fancy Pants is still there.

LOVE IT!

I get the idea of what it takes to being a Sister now. It's a lot of work and dedication but the experience is wonderful. See the happy faces on people when they see the Sisters and knowing that we are contributing to that is something I feel is part my path. I joined the Sisters because I wanted to continue to do my volunteer work and fundraising but as part of a team and on a bigger scale. Well, I got my wish.

LOVE IT!

Missionary Moments with Sr. Visa DeKline

Greetings friends! Sister Visa here - it's been awhile since I've made a blog entry, but I wanted to post something about what it's like to be a Missionary Sister.

At the beginning of October, I packed up my life in Vancouver, and moved about 1,050 km east (that's 660 miles for you American folk), to Calgary, AB. It was a difficult and exciting decision, as I've lived in Vancouver my entire life and built many great friendships and support systems there. But the lower cost of living, and the prospect of forming great new relationships in Calgary was calling me - and so move I did. As an active member of the Vancouver Sisters, I was a little concerned about how I could continue to serve the community in my capacity as a Sister, in a city where no Sister presence currently existed. For a short time a few years ago, there was a Mission group in nearby Edmonton - but unfortunately it never progressed any further than a Mission - so Sisterless Alberta remained.

My "scary' Halloween look!

Calgary presents it's own unique challenges in supporting and serving it's LGBTQ2+ community, let alone a group of 21st century queer nuns! It's a relatively conservative city with only a handful of gay/gay friendly establishments. Like most cities in North America, at one point it had many gay bars but as social media became a thing, the community looked to apps and websites to meet one another instead of going out to a pub or club. The community in Calgary is quite large, but with only a handful of venues to choose from - they tend to be either very tightly knit, or they result to holding events in private homes and venues. I've only had the opportunity to manifest once since moving here, on Halloween - where I visited almost every gay venue in the city in addition to attending a gay party in a straight venue. It was a great night though! I got to spend some time with the Emperor and Empress of Calgary, and several members of their house. I got to meet members of the community who were curious about who the Sisters are, and what we do! As a Missionary Sister, the most important thing for me to do is to continue meeting and building relationships with members of the community, and helping them as much as I can. The Emperor and Empress are holding a World AIDS Day event on November 28th, and I plan on being involved in some way. While I hope to one day assist in establishing a house here - for now, I will work my ass off to support my Sisters in Vancouver, as well as the established groups that are serving the community here in Calgary. In doing so, I'll spread my sisterly joy, talk to everyone who will listen about the Sisters and what we do, and hopefully drum up some interest in founding a house here! The world needs more Sisters - and I plan on doing my part to make it so!

In the meantime, I'd love to hear from anyone in Calgary who's interested in the work we do, anyone who wants to know more about us - and I'd also love to hear from any Sisters out there who've ever been in the Missionary position (minds in the gutter, I know, I know!) who can share their experiences with me! As a relatively virginal Missionary gal, I'm sure there's plenty for me to learn!

Sending you love and light from the city of stampedes, stetsons, and warm winter chinook winds!

XO,

Visa

Gayvancouver.net

To read the latest about the Vancouver Sisters and our Official 5th Anniversary party just click here!

Thank you gayvancouver.net

February Elevations!

Sister Tora Wholes, proud momma Sister Petunia Encarnata,
and Reverend Mother Alma Bitches with Sister Lois Price on her knees
as per usual.

 Congratulations to Sister Lois Price on her successful elevation to Fully Professed Member at last night's General Business Meeting!  A full house was on hand to witness Lois' vows and to welcome her to her new role.  Lois' Novice Project was our recent grocery bagging escapade at "Your Independent Grocer" back in December and was a huge success! The entire Abbey is very excited to have Sister Lois Price as a Full Member for life.  

Sister Lois and Sister Petunia

       

Lois was not the only member elevating last night; Aspirant Anthony and Aspirant Eileen also took the next steps in their journey with the Sisters as they both successfully elevated to Postulant!! Congratulations to both of you on your success! The Abbey also welcomed Aspirant Nettie to the group!! We're getting bigger everyday!

The post elevation crowd :) Congrats to Lois, Anthony, and Eileen!  

UNVEILED: The official 5th Anniversary Party!

With less than 2 weeks until what I know will be the most magical night thus far in our little Abbey's life; I thought it was time to officially announce who will be on hand to celebrate with the Sisters and all of you!  These queens have shown nothing but support to the Sisters during our time in Vancouver!  They have given their time, performed with us and accepted us wholeheartedly into the fold.  For that we always be forever grateful.

First up! THE UNSTOPPABLE CONNI SMUDGE!

photo by Graham Spence Photography

"Developing a character named Conni Smudge has been a twenty year journey and one that has taken her around the Globe.

She has performed in some of the most unlikely of places. From Biker Bars to the Grand Theatres of Europe, Mz Smudge has done them all.

Her wit, charm and approachable nature has afforded her the honour of being a highly sought after event host and spokesperson.  With an uncanny ability to break through barriers and draw the audience in, an evening with Conni is unlike anything ever experienced.

Based out of Vancouver British Columbia, Mz Smudge has been the face of several events and charities, including the North American OutGames, Qmunity, The City of Vancouver, and the Q Hall of Fame Canada to name just a few.

Mz Smudge has regular appearances on television as a reporter for OutLook TV and has appeared on the set of movies including The L Word, Backstrom, and Girls Guide to Dating.

She is known as The Unstoppable Conni Smudge and her busy schedule and the high demand for her services are proof that she truly is The Unstoppable Lady."

Find out more about Conni here

photo by Graham Spence Photography

Second to none! IT'S CARLOTTA GURL!!

Carlotta Gurl hails from Eastern Canada and has been amazing audiences in Vancouver with her incredible and awesome female impersonations of some of the world's brightest and best performers!

Carlotta currently hosts and performs in one of Vancouver's most popular and critically acclaimed cabaret-style show "Absolutly Dragulous" at the Junction Pub, located on Davie Street.

"Absolutly Dragulous" will be celebrating its 4th Anniversary Saturday February 21st at the Junction with a host of performers all bringing something extra special to help "the Gurl" celebrate!

Be Carlotta's Facebook friend and she'll tell you "Where it's at!" click here to friend Carlotta

Last but definitely not least (depends who you ask)! JEM aka #THANKSJEM aka LADY JEM

photo by Chase Porter

"If Martha Stewart and Judge Judy had a love child and she was adopted by Jerrica Benton #ThanksJem would be it!! This Lady says it like it is and serves up a mean apple pie.

She performs, hosts, models and bitches her way into the hearts of everyone who encounters her!#ThanksJem's experience has taken her on an American tour starring as Sporty Spice in a a Spice Gurls: Drag Shadow Cast, on TV as a finalist in Canada's Next Drag Superstar, and starring in her one woman homemade drag show Cool Moms where Jem gets to live out her over the top ideas. Like baking a pie on stage or performing live via Skype as she drives around the block!

A truly outrageous performer who always has more to give. Love her or hate her #thanksjem is homemaking her straight to the top!"

Check out the details of the only Drag Show on Commercial Drive right here!!


All of these ladies are dear to the Vancouver Sisters and we are delighted to have them be a part of our 5th Anniversary! Doors at 7pm. Performances begin around 8pm.

UNVEILED: Be there!
RSVP on Facebook for more info here