Despite unease, the LGBTQ+ organizations symbolize expanded safety efforts at Phoenix Pride

PHOENIX — Speakers blared and rainbow flags billowed in the October heat as the 2023 Phoenix Pride parade reached its peak. When the Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence neared the end of the parade route, the wind caught their 30-foot veil.

The stitched-together pride flag and American flag rose like a curtain, creating a nearly 10-foot shield separating the thousands of paradegoers from a group of protesters wielding signs calling them God haters, thieves and fornicators.

The Sisters created what they called a symbolic display of protection for a community facing constant pressure to hide their pride.

Two years later, security measures have expanded, and the organization of self-proclaimed drag nuns has become an emblem of protection and visibility for the community — something they say is needed now more than ever.

Despite years of involvement in Pride, Sister Jinger Breadmann said threats they’re receiving today are unlike anything she’s seen before.

“There is more intolerance permitted,” she said. “When a convicted criminal is running the White House, it sets a precedent that you can get away with bad behavior.”

Despite increased hostility, longtime member of the Sisters Navi Ho says they won’t let it stop them.

“Right now, people want to scare us, people want to make sure we don’t come out,” Sister Navi Ho said. “But we are saying we’re here, we’re queer and we are proud of ourselves.”

Her words are a bold response following a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ threats and rhetoric across the nation.

During last year’s Pride festivities, a Peoria teenager threatened to bomb the parade. In September, Phoenix resident Treven Gokey was arrested after allegedly threatening to shoot up Cruisin’7th, a popular LGBTQ+ bar in Phoenix.

The FBI’s most recent annual crime report showed that more than 20% of hate crimes across the U.S. were related to anti-LGBTQ+ bias.

Jeremy Helfgot, communications director for Phoenix Pride, said security is a complex issue for the community. Earlier this month, the organization came under fire for planning an event in collaboration with the Phoenix Police Department. In a press release sent out on Oct. 3, the Phoenix Pride board of directors apologized, saying they “missed the mark.”

“While our goal was to create a safe space for dialogue, we recognize we didn’t get it right this time,” they wrote.

Helfgot said the LGBTQ+ community and police have a complicated history. The negative response comes after the U.S. Justice Department investigation found Phoenix PD responsible for excessive force and civil rights violations.

Councilmember Laura Pastor represents District 4, where the annual Pride parade is held, acknowledged the fraught relationship but said there will be increased security measures.

“Safety is always a priority,” she said. “But, in safety, some people don’t want police, so we do a balance.”

This year, the Grand Canyon Sisters served as that balance. They returned as the organization’s grand marshal — a decision that Helfgot said is a testament to the Sisters’ presence in the community

“They may be at the top of the chain when it comes to visibility,” Helfgot said. “You know when the Sisters are there. They make sure you know when they’re there.”

The Sisters debuted on Easter Sunday in 1979 in San Francisco. What started as a nun costume turned into a nonprofit organization spanning 10 countries that raises thousands of dollars every year for AIDS research and prevention, LGBTQ+ youth programs and other social programs benefiting local communities.

Despite its provocative nature, the group takes its activism seriously. At a recent benefit show on Oct. 17, the Arizona chapter raised over $1,000 for the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

The Sisters’ religious imagery is shrouded in controversy by religious groups who consider the group’s regalia offensive.

In 2023, the L.A. Dodgers rescinded an invitation to their 10th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night, where the Sisters were going to be honored with the “Community Hero Award.” They were eventually reinstated after backlash; conservative leaders Marco Rubio and Mike Pence condemned their presence.

Navi Ho said the Sisters’ aesthetic is not meant to offend. Volunteers use comedy and irreverence to expose bigotry and complacency, she said, and “expiate stigmatic guilt that is placed on people for being who they are.”

This year, that message was on full display.

Sisters strutted down 3rd Street in full regalia, stopping for pictures and hugs. Pride anthems like Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” blared as hundreds of people of all ages lined the streets waving pride flags and admiring decadent parade floats.

Christine Cavazos was celebrating the day with her kids when the Sisters’ colorful parade float ambled along.

“The Sisters,” she screamed. “The Sisters!”

Cavazos said she was amazed by their omnipresence as she was researching pride events throughout history.

“They’ve always been out there supporting, showing off and just being amazing,” she said.

Along the parade route was Marina Fernandez. She called the Sisters and their message powerful.

“Being out in the open, anything can happen at any moment,” she said “But it’s okay to feel scared because there are a lot of people out here that love you and that support you —especially them.”

There were no known threats at this year’s festival or parade. Navi Ho says the work does not stop there.

“Pride is not just one day or weekend,” she said. “It’s every day for many of us.”

Sister Breadmann echoed her message.

“We can’t live in fear,” she said. “It took us this long to be able to be proud, and I’m certainly not gonna go back in the closet. I already kicked that door down.”