The Film
A story of joy, service, and controversy.
SISTERS IN THE OUTFIELD is a new feature documentary chronicling the national firestorm that erupted when the Los Angeles Dodgers rescinded an award honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, then reversed course and re-invited them to Pride Night, unleashing a barrage of attacks from far-right political and religious groups. The film follows the flamboyant order of queer nuns through the controversy, tracing five decades of irreverent humor, AIDS activism, and community service before returning to Dodger Stadium, where celebration and condemnation collide.
The
Controversy
In May 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers withdrew an invitation to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at their annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night after a wave of criticism from conservative religious and political figures.
The decision set off a national media firestorm. LGBTQ+ advocates and allies rallied in support of the Sisters, and the Dodgers reversed course, apologizing and reinstating the invitation. On June 16, 2023, the Sisters received their Community Hero Award as protesters gathered outside Dodger Stadium.
The Voices of Opposition
A Voice of Solidarity
Catholic nun and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate
Not all Catholic voices joined the condemnation. Sister Jeannine Gramick spoke in defense of the Sisters' service to their communities, offering a powerful counterpoint to the outrage.
More Than a Baseball Game
Sisters in the Outfield goes beyond the headlines to reveal the people behind the makeup, the work behind the spectacle, and the resilience of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. For decades, the Sisters have raised money for HIV/AIDS organizations, supported LGBTQ+ communities, helped those in need, and confronted prejudice with humor, visibility, and compassion.
At its heart, this is a story about what happens when a mission of service and joy becomes the target of a national culture war—and how the Sisters refuse to let that controversy define them.
Sister Unity
Hardcore camp. Real compassion.
At the heart of the film is Sister Unity, a quick-witted, veteran queer nun whose outrageous humor reveals a profound commitment to compassion and social justice. With satire, theatricality, and hardcore camp, Unity, along with her fellow Sisters, challenges religious hypocrisy and confronts prejudice while championing the Sisters' enduring mission of service, visibility, and joy.
Watch the Trailer
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Founded in San Francisco in 1979, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence grew from an irreverent act of public performance into an international order devoted to community service, activism, and the celebration of human diversity. The Los Angeles house carries that legacy forward through visibility, fundraising, and direct engagement with its community.
Peter Fitzgerald
Peter Fitzgerald is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, producer, director, and editor with more than 30 years of experience in film and television. His independent LGBTQ+ documentaries include Butch Please, winner of Best Documentary Short at CineKink, and Beyond Mr. Smith, recognized at the Amsterdam International Film Festival. His extensive work for MGM, Turner Classic Movies, and Warner Bros. includes documentaries exploring Hollywood history and popular culture. As writer, director, and producer of SISTERS IN THE OUTFIELD, Fitzgerald brings his experience in documentary storytelling to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, capturing their irreverent humor, humanitarian work, and resilience in the face of controversy.
Support the Film
Help bring SISTERS IN THE OUTFIELD to audiences. Contributions through our fiscal sponsor, The Film Collaborative, support the film's completion and release.
Support the Film