Brian Liberge

Abstract

Known also as "Sister Freddie Anne Willing,” Brian is a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, an organization of trans-nuns committed to community service, ministry, and outreach. Self-described as “gender-queer” and comfortable with male and female pronouns, Brian was born and raised in the Highlands area of Lynn across from the Ford School. He held deep connections to the city, even when his immediate family moved to Saugus. Her family had heavy ties to St. Stephen’s Church, which provided them with food support during lean times and instilled an ethic of community service. Although non-binary and trans were not part of the popular vocabulary during his childhood, St. Stephen’s had always been supportive of the gay and lesbian community. Brian only came to learn about gender and sexual identity through private explorations of the internet in his parents’ basement. The internet provided him a lifeline to other communities and a means of self-expression. Still, his identity would remain muddled for years. He would major in Theater at Suffolk University, work as a computer specialist, marry two women, and father a child. He discusses the history and social advocacy of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and his evolution as a queer advocate. Interview carried out by Andrew Darien.