“Heklina is not only my best friend, but a revered icon of our community,” wrote Peaches Christ, a fellow drag performer who discovered Heklina’s death on Monday.
Heklina, a beloved San Francisco drag performer, has died.
Peaches Christ, a friend and fellow drag performer in London for a run of “Mommie Queerest,” a musical spoof of the iconic 1981 film Mommie Dearest, discovered Heklina’s body on Monday morning.
“I am startled and horrified to inform you of this news. “I am living in a real-life nightmare, so please forgive me if I don’t have all the answers right now,” Peaches Christ said in a Facebook statement.
“I went to get my wonderful friend Heklina, who is costarring with me in a Mommie Queerest performance here, this morning in London, England, and discovered her dead.” “I don’t know what killed him yet,” the performer wrote. “I know this is startling news, and I am stunned, but I wanted to let everyone know what happened.” Heklina is not just my best friend, but also a respected community figure. “I’m a shambles.”
According to Variety, the Soho Theater, where the drag parody was scheduled to run for two weeks, verified Heklina’s death.
“Soho Theatre, @HOME mcr, and Tim Whitehead are in shock and extremely grieved by news of Heklina’s passing,” the theatre said on Twitter. “Our hearts go out to Peaches, Mommie Queerest, Heklina’s family, friends, and the entire community.”
There has been no official cause of death announced, and no additional information is currently available.
According to SF Gate, Heklina, who was born in Minneapolis, got her drag name from Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, where she lived for several years.
According to the publication, Heklina, then 28, began hosting a long-running weekly series known as “Mother” at the Stud in 1996, which became one of the most popular drag events on the West Coast.
According to SFGate, Heklina told the Bay Area Reporter in 2008, “When I got to San Francisco, I fell in love with the punk flair of some of the drag queens.” “I never sat down and said, ‘I want to be a drag queen and operate a nightclub,’” she says. It was almost as though I was intended to do this when it happened and took off.”
According to CBS affiliate KPIX-TV, Heklina was part of a group that reopened Oasis, a nightclub and theater in San Francisco, in 2014.
Furthermore, the drag performer participated at events throughout the city and starred in performances of the city’s drag show “Golden Girls Live,” according to Variety.
On the news of Heklina’s death, Oasis, the drag venue she helped re-open, issued their own statement.
“We are startled and devastated,” they wrote, adding that the club would be open for drinks, tales, and community on Monday.
The Castro Theatre paid tribute to Heklina on its marquee, stating, “Rest in power, Heklina!” 1968-2023.”
The iconic club posted on social media, “Forever a pillar of our community.”
Several people mourned Heklina’s passing, from local officials to members of the drag community.
“It is shocking and heartbreaking to learn of the death of Heklinka, a drag legend, talented performer, and trailblazing community figure,” commented San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney. “My heartfelt condolences and love go out to Heklinka’s friends, family, and loved ones, as well as the whole LGBTQ and drag communities.”
State Senator Scott Wiener described the musician as “the essence of San Francisco,” adding that “it’s difficult to picture the city without her.”
“I first saw Heklina perform when I was a young homosexual man new to San Francisco in the 1990s.” I got to know her over time and assisted her in finding a home for Oasis. In a statement, Wiener said, “I’ve rarely worked with someone more fiery, brilliant, and driven.” “Heklina developed events and community places that infused glitter, big wigs, and loud humor with a sense of belonging.”
“Heklina was also a staunch champion of drag — which is currently under intense attack — and created possibilities for future drag queens to find their space,” the lawmaker added. “As we mourn, we must remember the joy she offered us and the significance of the art form to which she dedicated her life.”
Lady Bunny, a legendary New York drag performer, paid tribute to Heklina, calling her a “drag legend.”
“Heklina was just unbelievably sweet and welcoming,” said RuPaul’s Drag Race veteran Shea Couleé.
“She was such an amazing supporter of fellow queens, and she made me feel like family whenever I came to Oasis,” the performer wrote. “Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.”
