Sister Roma, a drag performer, activist, and Art Director for Falcon/NakedSword, was honored by the California legislature as part of a resolution designating June as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month." The recognition took place in Sacramento, California, on June 6, 2023.

Legislative Recognition

The California legislature recognized Sister Roma, a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, for her work. The legislature's LGBTQ Caucus extended an invitation to Roma, along with other individuals such as tennis player Billie Jean King, actor Harry Lit, and filmmaker Eugene Lee Yang, to participate in the celebration. This information was reported by The Advocate, a news source focused on LGBTQ issues.

Senator Scott Wiener invited Roma, who received a standing ovation for the work she and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have done on behalf of the state and global LGBTQ+ community. Roma described her duties in the organization as “activist, fundraiser, public speaker, Master of Ceremonies and glamorous clown.”

Roma told the LA Times that the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence "minister to our community," stating, "We spread joy, we feed the hungry, we provide supplies and care to the unhoused community, we minister to the sick, we support the youth." She added, "My existence is not an attack on your faith. The problem is some people use their faith as an attack on my existence.”

Sister Roma's Role and Activism

Sister Roma has been a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in San Francisco, California, for 30 years as of 2017. She is recognized globally as an activist, fundraiser, public speaker, Master of Ceremonies, and glamorous clown. Since taking her vows, she has worked in the fight against HIV and AIDS as an educator, activist, and fundraiser, helping to raise over $1 million for the LGBTQ global community.

Roma is the creator and advocate of the Sisters’ Stop The Violence Campaign. She also gained international attention for her role in the #MyNameIs movement, which protested Facebook's “Real” Name Policy, advocating for the right of individuals to self-identify on the social networking platform.

Among San Francisco’s personalities, Roma was elected SF Pride Community Grand Marshal in 2012. She was also named SF’s Most Notable Drag Queen and Best of the Bay’s BEST ACTIVIST in 2016. She has served as Master of Ceremonies on the main stages of SF Pride, Folsom Street Fair, Castro Street Fair, and Easter in the Park, where she hosts the Hunky Jesus Contest. Roma travels across the U.S. speaking at rallies and hosting events. Internationally, she has hosted events in Berlin, Vienna, and Paris, and was an honored guest of Pride in Shanghai, China, and Grand Marshal of Prague Pride in the Czech Republic.

Entry into the Adult Industry

Sister Roma's introduction to the adult industry was facilitated by Michael Youens, her closest companion and a longtime Falcon employee, who also performed as drag artist Shanté. Roma shared with JC Adams from XBIZ in 2021 that her involvement in the adult industry began through friendships with Chi Chi LaRue and Steven Scarborough.

She initially performed freelance graphic work for them, and Steven Scarborough eventually offered her the position of art director. Later, John Rutherford recommended her to Tim Valenti as a co-host for a new online talk show about the adult industry, which led to the creation of ‘The Tim and Roma Show.’ Roma stated that these friendships and business partnerships made her feel welcomed in the adult industry, and she takes pride in her career and the relationships built within the community. For almost 20 years, Roma has worked in the adult industry and currently serves as Art Director for NakedSword/Falcon.

Key Facts

  • Sister Roma was honored by the California legislature on June 6, 2023.
  • The honor was part of a resolution designating June as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month."
  • She is a drag performer, activist, and Art Director for Falcon/NakedSword.
  • Roma is a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
  • Senator Scott Wiener invited Roma to the legislative celebration.
  • Her entry into the adult industry was facilitated by Michael Youens and friendships with Chi Chi LaRue and Steven Scarborough.