Introducing Sister Beefcake TenderLoins
Mistress of Media Mischief!
One who more recently answered the call to join the Sydney House, Sister Beefcake TenderLoins ascended to Black Veil in March of 2025
In 2021, a young fresh-faced documentarian discovered this very website, universaljoy.com.au. Sensing a story in this incomprehensible entity of "gay male nuns and lesbian clergy", I wanted to learn more, and got in touch. After an insightful meeting with the very charming (and now retired) Sr Salome of the Ninth Mystic Rhinestone, I came along to one of their nuncheons, camera in hand.
What stood out to me was the sincerity with which these seemingly frivolous clowns approached their practice - the core philosophy of the Four Tenets, and their firm belief in the power of parody. A few weeks later, I said to my cameraman - "you know what, I think I might join these guys!"
Without a firm plan for my vestition [a religious ceremony, often called a "habit-taking" rite, where candidates, such as novices or seminarians, are formally clothed in ecclesiastical garments], I continued filming interviews and events with the Sisters until at the end of 2022 I manifested for the first time in a borrowed habit, and had a habit of my own crafted by World Pride 2023, with my name "Sister Beefcake Tenderloins" established - the origins of which has been lost to time, but probably a tongue in cheek reference to my definitely not beefcake-esque appearance. I often also take on the affix of "Mistress of Media Mayhem," to honour my work in haphazardly documenting the work of the Sisters - whether they like it or not!
My accension to black veil was completed in March 2025. Since engaging with the Sisters I have continued work on my documentary, and in August 2025 a 30 minute version of the doco was aired on the ABC show Compass - I am currently editing the full feature film version, hopefully for release at film festivals in 2027.
Through my time in the Sisters I've been offered the opportunity to learn a great deal about Sydney's queer history and hopefully spread the message encouraging all people to fearlessly express their identity in an authentic way.
Sister Beefcake TenderLoins Mistress of Media Mischief!
