The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are self-described 21st century nuns for the queer (gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, lesbian, kink, etc.) communities and they fulfill a unique role for queers which throughout history have been demonized and persecuted by various religions and governments. They are social activists, and most of the Orders are non-profit charity organizations within their countries, raising money for AIDS and other charities and community service organizations, helping lead the campaign for safer sex and harm reduction, performing modern ritual and educating on various human rights issues and against hate crimes.

Originally, the organization included only gay male nuns, but it now includes people of all genders and orientations including intersex, homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, and transgendered. The organization was started in 1979 in San Francisco, California, and is one of the fastest growing orders worldwide. There are more than six hundred nuns worldwide with new members joining regularly and new houses being established.

The San Francisco Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have raised well over $1,000,000 and distributed it to non-profit organizations that serve not only the queer and sex positive communities but also mainstream organizations that don't discriminate their charity work. The Sisters' state vows to promulgate universal joy and expiate stigmatic guilt while serving their respective communities.