It was a whirlwind of holy habits and sporty straps as two of Seattle's most prominent Gay organizations went head-to-head in a charity kickball game for the ages.
Quake Rugby and the Abbey of St. Joan, Seattle's chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, faced off Saturday at Cal Anderson Park in a riotous event called "Jockstraps & Glitter." After a two-year absence forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a triumphant return.
More than 150 people were in attendance, and local drag performer DonaTella Howe and Quake Rugby alum Kung Pow Meow served as co-hosts.
Eric Bonesteel, a bartender at CC Attle's and member of the Imperial Court, served as umpire, while the always-fabulous Aleksa Manila, also a local drag queen, spoke on behalf of Asia Pride.
Organized by Dylan Quiggle, community chairperson of Quake Rugby, and Sister Mrsa Kitt, who assisted in the creation of the first "Jockstraps & Glitter" in 2010, the event featured countless moments of fun and laughter, including Kung Pow Meow riding on an electric scooter with a creepy baby doll.
The Seattle Pups, however, brought joy to the event by performing the most enviable task of all: helping the Quake players shed their clothing, most of whom were in just their jocks by the end of the game.
Not to be upstaged, some of the Sisters also ended in just their jocks. To be fair, they did not strip as much as the Quake — after all, they kept their whiteface and veils.
Fun with a purpose
Saturday's kickball game was the 10th played between the Sisters and the Quake. "Jockstraps & Glitter" was originally organized in 2010 as a novice project of the late Sister Karma Za Betch, who passed away the night before the second annual match.
In poignant testimony to the camaraderie of both organizations, which have a history of working well together, the teams honored deceased members. While the Sisters commemorated Sister Karma, the Quake paid tribute to Thomas Derricks, a cherished teammate who passed away just a few months after Karma.
Reflecting on the groups' partnership, Sister Mrsa, who is also a Quake veteran, told the SGN, "When the Sisters first approached the Quake back in 2010, we were like, 'This sounds ridiculous — we're in!'
"The Quake and the Sisters have always worked well together, [so] it's no surprise the event is fun, silly, and loved by both sides. I am glad we get to keep Sister Karma's dream alive, [and honor] Thomas Derricks and the others we have lost since the event's inception. We are grateful for all the other contributors from ... our community, truly making the event what it is."
Generous donations poured in from enthusiastic audience members eager to see the ruggers strip to their jockstraps, as well as for the chance to sunscreen the players, embrace glitter-bombs, and orchestrate playful kisses between players. Funds raised benefited Asia Pride and the Abbey of St. Joan's grant fund.
Workers for the PITCH Study, an HIV-oriented community health initiative conducted by King County, were in attendance, administering surveys to audience members.
If there was one thing Sister Mrsa found harder to contain than her veil, it was her excitement. "After a two-year hiatus, it feels really good to be back."