Sacred Camp: Mysticism and Activism with Sister Shalita of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

12/29/24 • 35 min

In this episode of Drag Me To Heaven, I had the privilege of speaking with the enigmatic Sister Shalita from the iconic Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Our conversation dove deep into their unique mysticism and the profound ways they blend their spiritual philosophy with the mission of the Sisters. Sister Shalita shared how their mystical approach is rooted in healing and transformation, using their role as a Sister to embody radical joy, acceptance, and advocacy. We explored the relevance of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in today’s world, discussing how they reclaim the concept of sisterhood as a powerful, inclusive force that transcends religion, gender, and traditional norms. Sister Shalita beautifully articulated how the Sisters' blend of camp, ritual, and activism creates a safe space for the queer community while offering a playful yet profound commentary on societal expectations. Through their stories and wisdom, Sister Shalita revealed how being a Sister is a sacred and revolutionary act—an embodiment of love, laughter, and service to others. This conversation was an unforgettable journey into the heart of queer spirituality, activism, and the power of performance art to create meaningful change.

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Temple Dance, Drag, and Transcendence: Khemaya on Mahari, Gotipua, Odissi, and Identity

In this episode of Drag Me To Heaven, we spotlight Khemaya, a trans woman, drag artist, and classical dancer hailing from Odisha. Rooted in the sacred traditions of Mahari, Gotipua, and Odissi dance, Khemaya masterfully bridges the worlds of spirituality and drag, creating a powerful narrative of faith and identity. Khemaya shares her experience of blending these revered temple dance forms with the bold, expressive art of drag. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a trans woman in the arts, the importance of trans individuals claiming cultural spaces, and the need to support local drag artists. This episode is a tribute to Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and a celebration of resilience, artistry, and community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on reclaiming identity through dance and drag.

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Bloody Kamina: The Dalit Drag King Redefining Caste, Gender, Identity, and Faith!

In this episode of Drag Me to Heaven, I sit down with Bloody Kamina, a trailblazing Dalit drag king from Bangalore, who is using their platform to challenge not only gender norms but also caste-based discrimination. Bloody Kamina, known for their bold performances, is an advocate for Dalit rights and incorporates their anti-caste and Buddhist beliefs into their art. Through drag, they challenge societal expectations and offer a powerful voice for those who have been marginalized. We delve into how their drag journey intersects with their Buddhist identity, which emphasizes equality and social justice, and how it influences their approach to confronting caste-based oppression. Bloody Kamina speaks openly about the dual struggle of being both a queer artist and a Dalit, sharing their experiences with resilience, activism, and the importance of using drag as a form of resistance. This episode is a deep dive into the power of drag as a tool for social change, offering a fresh perspective on caste, identity, and the fight for equality in India.