Sister Roma is once again Sister Roma.
The face of the movement that finally appears to have toppled Facebook’s “real name policy” said she never meant to become that face, despite her very photogenic face.
“I was just trying to get Facebook’s attention,” Sister Roma told the GA Voice in an interview last week to promote the film “Folsom Forever” showing tonight at Out on Film at 10:45.
“I had to do something. Our entire community was being wiped out on Facebook. I was totally ready to mobilize and let them know we are here, we are queer and we are not going away.”
Sister Roma’s emails, followed by meetings she and other drag queens and entertainers had with Facebook officials led to massive media coverage. And this week it appears the drag queens have won.
Chris Cox, a Facebook employee, posted a lengthy apology on his Facebook page on Oct. 1. And Sister Roma got her name back as have other drag queens.
The full apology from Cox:
And now Sister Roma is again Sister Roma on Facebook and comes to Atlanta with a victory under her habit—and so much more under there.
She will be attending tonight’s screening of “Folsom Forever,” a documentary about the Folsom Street Fair, at Out on Film. A regular emcee for the longstanding BDSM and leather festival held each year in San Francisco, Sister Roma says she’s excited to see the film in the ATL, the first time she’s visited our fair city.
“I love the documentary. I feel like a movie star!” she says. “Folsom is such an institution and an important part of San Francisco. It’s about freedom and diversity and kinkiness.”
This year marks Sister Roma’s 27th year as Sister Roma. She’s been an emcee on the main stage of the Folsom Street Fair for 15 years and portrayed Mary Magdalene in the infamous 2007 “Last Supper” poster promoting the Folsom Street Fair.
“The Folsom Street Fair is a great opportunity to wear your freak flag on your shoulder,” she says. “A lot of people there are gawkers. But a lot of people are really expressing themselves openly and I think that’s really beautiful.”
Does Sister Roma remember her first Folsom Street Fair?
“No, but I’m sure I was on my knees sucking dick in some alley,” she says.
“Folsom Forever” is a chance for people who may never get a chance to go to the fest to see what all the talk is about, she says. It can also be the perfect catalyst to get people to attend the infamous street fair.
“After seeing the documentary you’re going to want to come experience it in person,” she says.
While in Atlanta, Sister Roma will also be part of a Mama Bear Charities fundraiser “Out and Proud – A Celebration” that will also feature adult performers Michael Brandon and Scott Spears. The fundraiser will benefit The MISTER Center, Lost-n-Found Youth and the Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and is set for Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. at Lips Atlanta.
“I’m super excited to work with the Sisters in Atlanta and can’t wait to party with the Atlanta girls,” she says.