Holidays are a time to set aside differences. This Easter Sunday, Dolores Park did so in the name of hunky Jesus.
The annual competition to decide by popular vote who best captures the spirit of a “hunky Jesus” drew tens of thousands of people. There were so many contenders that Jesus hopefuls were turned away at the gates. Forty official competitors made it through.
The largely secular throng that blanketed the park’s hills obscured most everyone’s view of the competition. “I see lots of hunk, but no Jesus,” said one spectator. “I can see some sexy backs,” another said.
Still, people cheered, even from the far reaches of the park, when contestants like “Doge Jesus” and “Fuck Donald Trump Jesus” were announced. A cheer and a cloud of smoke also went up at 4:20 p.m.
The event has come a long way, said Sean, the competition’s 2012 winner. “Today, it’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about the sisters and the commitment to charity and trans rights.”
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an order of queer and trans nuns that organize the event, made their first Easter Sunday appearance in 1979. Their mission statement is to “use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit.”
In the 2010s, one winner wore a blow-up doll and dressed as “Jesus Fucking Christ,” the hunky Jesus emeritus said. Now, the stakes are higher and the competition is more inclusive, he said.
The sentiment echoed around the park.
This year’s winner, a local nightlife producer who goes by Wild West, rode atop a bison plated in tiny pieces of mirror, waving a pride flag. “It’s a ‘Renaissance’ moment,” they said, referencing Beyonce’s album as the zoomorphic disco ball glittered in the sunshine.
KP Smith and Steven James lofted a plush Bugs Bunny tied to a cross above the crowd. Bugs, they said, once dressed in drag to avoid getting shot. Their stuffed version was imported from a Goodwill in Texas.
From pregnant Jesus to sourdough Jesus, all were welcome. In a word, three Sacramento sisters agreed, the day is about “community.”
Glad to see 20,000 people gather together in peace. No active shooters or people starting physical fights. Let’s hope it continues that way.
Not one hhoto of a hunky Jesus.
It’s funny you have two pics of Sourdough Jesus but none of my favorite, first runner up: Jesus Crust! His crucifix was laden with loaves (later turned into fish?)
And I can’t believe I forgot to wear my once-a-year bunny ears!!!
I wish I have known this before I turned on to the Dolores Street parking lot yesterday.
This is so offensive. How this “news” is promulgated and not all the processions of the faithful in the Mission District. Offending a Church that turned donations into rent payments for so many during the pandemic, is sad. That an entire group can make their focus to insult others is called bullying. “Love is not love” if bullying and hating is the centrifugal force of an event like this. To be clear, there are members of the Christian family that are also gay or consider themselves in some way identified by the LGBT community that would also find these offenses to God during the defining time that is Easter hurtful. They are members of the Church, serving in the Mass, leading in ministry, helping the homeless, and more. Would this happen if it were a group uniting to make fun of other religions, ethnic minortities, disabled, the poor? I hope that some will open their hearts to REAL LOVE… the Church nor Jesus is hating even those being hateful and offensive. He loves all of us.