The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence announced on Tuesday the loss of one of their own: Sister Boom Boom, aka Jack Fertig, a drag nun persona from the self-described "leading-edge Order of queer nuns."
Fertig died Monday from liver cancer at the age of 57, according to the group.
Fertig was one of the better known of the San Francisco-based Sisters. In 1982, Fertig ran for a board of supervisors seat always appearing in drag. Fertig also ran against Dianne Feinstein for mayor the following year. Fertig lost both races.
The sisters blame internal disputes for Fertig breaking away from the group in 1985.
Fertig surprised everyone with an appearance at the Sisters 30th anniversary party in 2009 and had reconnected with the group since then.
A public memorial is being planned.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. is a 22nd Century Order of queer nuns. Since their first appearance in San Francisco on Easter Sunday, 1979, the Sisters have been accused of “Ruining It For Everyone” with their habitual injection of art and gaiety into serious affairs including human rights, political activism and religious intolerance. The Sisters consider it their mission to “ruin” all detrimental conditions including consumerist greed, complacency, guilt and the inability to laugh at one's self.
