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A sisterhood of support
Primary Deck: Bielicosh vash debenaraya houlihash smaslll vash debenaraya
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By Taylor Seijas
Taking A Stand
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Photo: The Daily Mail
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The West Hollywood Cheerleaders
Photo: Ron's Log
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Over 30,000 people gathered Sunday, Oct 21,2007, for the 22nd Annual AIDS Walk in Los Angeles. In front of the Pacific Design Center, walkers poured onto the streets, individuals formed teams, and volunteers handed out water.
Two groups of supporters, however, stood out above the rest. Dressed in cheerleading uniforms and nun habits these volunteers stood at the finish line ready to cheer on the runners as they returned.
Although their presence may seem out of ordinary, these two groups make up some of the biggest supporters of the fight against AIDS. They are the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the West Hollywood Cheerleaders. Both are non-profit organizations run by gay men dressed in drag.
"We have been around for 25 years, because gay men wanted to do something to support people who did have the virus. So we started this over the top drag leading troupe," said Sister Tragedy Ann, a member of the Sister's of Perpetual Indulgence.
The sisters and the cheerleadrs have been coming to the walk for about 6 years, not only to support the fight against AIDS, but to also thank the participants. In their opinion the volunteers are just as important as cause. "They are taking time out of their schedules to raise money and we want to be there to connect the heart with thank you for being here, because I don't think people get enough thanks for the things they do," said Sister Tragedy Ann.
As a result of their charitable works, the Sisters and the Cheerleaders have become very popular in the area.
According to Trixie, a West Hollywood Cheerleader, the most important thing about the AIDS walk is that it brings awareness. She explained that society needs to be reminded that AIDS is still an issue. "Don't put this on the backburner, it hasn't gone away."
With the help of all of it's supporters the AIDS Walk was able to raise $3,905,723.
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