By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff
Photography courtesy of Sister Roma

This October, Las Vegas PRIDE is honored to welcome one of San Francisco’s most beloved icons and internationally recognized activists: Sister Roma, “The Most Photographed Nun in the World™.” For nearly four decades, Sister Roma has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ activism, community service, and spectacle with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Known for her sharp wit, glamorous style, and unwavering commitment to human rights, she has raised millions for charity, inspired global movements, and continues to spread joy wherever she goes.

Roma’s journey began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and took a transformative turn when she arrived in San Francisco in the mid-1980s, just as the AIDS epidemic was devastating the queer community. She recalls her first encounter with the Sisters as “like my head and my heart exploded.” Drawn in by their compassion and activism, she took her vows in 1987 and has been serving ever since.

Sister Roma

“I realized that I care about my community and human rights,” Roma says. “I felt a calling to be of service to those in need, to spread joy, and to do whatever I could to make the world a better place for having been here.”

Roma’s decades of service include creating the Sisters’ Stop The Violence campaign in 1989, addressing the rise in hate crimes, and, more recently, launching the Safety First, Sexy Second initiative in response to attacks on queer men using hookup apps. She describes the work of the Sisters as equal parts visible activism and quiet, personal ministry.

“One of the most impactful things we can do is simply talk to people, share tears, and give someone a hug when they haven’t had human contact in weeks,” she reflects.

Her leadership also gained international attention during the #MyNameIs campaign, which challenged Facebook’s “real name” policy. What began as drag performers being unfairly targeted evolved into a global movement that exposed how such policies endangered survivors of domestic violence, trans and nonbinary people, and countless others. Roma’s viral advocacy helped change the platform’s policies after years of community pressure.

The Power of Nunhood

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are known for combining outrageous humor with serious social justice work, and Roma embraces this duality fully. “All Sisters take a vow to ‘Expiate Stigmatic Guilt and Promulgate Universal Joy,’” she explains. “We are simultaneously extremely serious and outrageously ridiculous.”

While their colorful habits and larger-than-life makeup may shock some, Roma insists their purpose is clear: to hold a mirror to hypocrisy and bigotry, while spreading hope and love. “The message is always one of unity and the power of love,” she says.

A Blessing for Las Vegas PRIDE

This year, Roma will deliver the official blessing on the Las Vegas PRIDE Parade from the grandstand at 4th Street and Bridger Avenue, joined by fellow Sisters Bearonce Knows from Los Angeles and Lida Christ from Boston.

“The world feels upside down right now, and many people live in fear,” she shares. “Our message will be delivered with humor and an occasional inappropriate double entendre, but will ultimately be one of hope, strength, unity, celebration, and perseverance. As someone who has survived the AIDS crisis and been on the front lines in the battle for LGBTQ equality, I know we will win. We always do.”

Conclave, Community, and Celebration

Roma is also joining the Sin Sity Sisters’ 20th Anniversary Conclave, a multi-day celebration of community, service, and Sisterhood. “I have a long history with the Las Vegas house,” she says proudly. “I’m truly looking forward to connecting with my Vegas Sisters, Sisters visiting from other houses, and the Las Vegas community. And yes, as the ‘Most Photographed Nun in the World™, I am required by law to be present for all the photoshoots.”

In addition, she will serve as a guest judge for the parade. With her experience emceeing San Francisco Pride alongside Honey Mahogany, she admits her standards are high. “I’m looking for originality, production values, energy, and a message that resonates,” she says with a wink. “Extra points for half-naked bodies.”

With decades of accolades and recognition—including her induction into the GayVN Hall of Fame and being honored in San Francisco’s “Queeroes” mural—Roma remains grounded in her mission.

“My drag was and always will be motivated by service and activism,” she explains. “The highest honor is being trusted and embraced by my community. The reward comes from being of service and seeing the impact you made in someone else’s life or the world around you. The greatest gift of all is another day to wake up, look around, and find a new way to stay involved.”

As she prepares to bless the Las Vegas PRIDE Parade, judge its dazzling floats, and celebrate with the Sin Sity Sisters, Sister Roma shares her hopes for the weekend: “I want to feel the energy, joy, and PRIDE of the Vegas LGBTQ+ community. I also wouldn’t mind hitting a jackpot… I love a loose slot!”

With her mix of heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Sister Roma’s presence promises to make Las Vegas PRIDE 2025 an unforgettable celebration of joy, resilience, and community.

This article was originally published as a digital exclusive to the 2025 PRIDE Celebration Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, which can be read in its original format here.