Two angry drag shows and a silent vigil set for Monday in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood are seeking to call attention to the London Metropolitan Police in the wake of new revelations in the investigation into the death of Heklina. The drag icon died nearly two years ago in the United Kingdom, and police now say they believe Heklina had drugs in her system, the San Francisco Chronicle reported this week.
As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, in January, nearly two years after Heklina, 55, was found dead in a Soho flat in London, police there issued a bulletin asking three men seen on camera footage leaving the flat to come forward. Police said the men may have information about what happened to Heklina on April 3, 2023.
At the time, Heklina, the drag persona of Stefan Grygelko, was in London with her friend and tour partner, Peaches Christ (Joshua Grannell), to perform their "Mommie Queerist" show. Peaches is currently in London for a previously-announced march to take place in the United Kingdom’s capital March 31.
More recently, London police were in California to conduct interviews with people who knew Heklina, Peaches said.
Peaches alleges there has been bias in the investigation.
An unnamed London Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated to the B.A.R. March 27. "We are in contact with Steven’s [sic] next of kin and have spoken with them recently to provide an update on the case."
“Our investigation is ongoing so it would be inappropriate to more widely share further details around Steven’s death, which continues to be treated as unexpected," the spokesperson stated. "We know that many feel deep distress following Steven’s death and no doubt some may feel frustration with the pace of the police investigation. We are also aware of the concerns of Steven’s next of kin and have apologised to them directly. A full review of the investigation is ongoing to establish any missed opportunities. We continue to examine all lines of enquiry in relation to Steven’s death and remain steadfast to determine the facts."
Peaches told the B.A.R. that British authorities told her during their visit to the Golden State that a “lethal amount of drugs” was found in Heklina’s system.
“They didn't say that's what killed her – that's what's weird,” Peaches said. “I want them to issue a death certificate.”
Peaches said it’s “very strange after two years” police have not given a reason; and they were only recently forthcoming about the camera footage and the drugs.
“Why weren’t we told this?” Peaches asked. “It just doesn’t add up to me. I’m not saying she didn’t die of a drug overdose, but if she did why is it such a mystery? … I don't really have a clear idea of why they've been so reluctant to give us the certificate of death. That to me is super baffling.”
Peaches said that she and Heklina’s executor Nancy French learned that the original investigator in the “chaotic and crazy” investigation was relieved due to bias issues.
“It wasn’t me and Nancy who said they’re homophobic,” Peaches said. “It was them who told us what was going on.”
French declined to comment for this report.
“I’m prepared, myself, to live the rest of my life not knowing what actually happened,” Peaches said. She hopes the upcoming events shine “a spotlight on this case and the injustice and demands real change in their institution to be less homophobic and less biased when it comes to LGBTQ community members.”
Events
Peaches posted to Facebook that Bobby Barber is organizing the March 31 event in San Francisco. Barber didn’t return a request for comment.
“‘Justice for Heklina’ Two Angry Drag Shows and a silent vigil against the new world order” will begin at 5 p.m. March 31 when The Stud, 1123 Folsom Street, opens its doors.
“Bring signs and placards highlighting London MET Police and Trump administration abuses of power, as well as their institutionalized homophobia and transphobia,” Peaches posted. “Also ones celebrating the life and accomplishments of Heklina are very welcome as well.”
After the first angry drag show at 6:30 p.m., there’ll be a silent candlelight march up Folsom Street to Oasis, 298 11th Street, where there will be another angry drag show at 9. The “Pillows” after-party will take place at Powerhouse, 1347 Folsom Street, at 11.
Peaches thanked Oasis proprietor D’Arcy Drollinger, San Francisco’s drag laureate, in the Facebook post touting the event. Drollinger didn’t immediately return a request for comment March 27.
The London event will start at the Big Ben clocktower at 10 a.m. local time, followed by a march to the London police headquarters.
Pioneering drag figure
Heklina was a pioneering figure in the San Francisco drag scene and an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ lives, according to a joint statement released shortly after her death by Peaches, Drollinger, and Grygelko's estate.
She was the co-founder of the iconic and transgressive drag night Trannyshack, which became an important mainstay of the San Francisco nightlife scene in the 1990s and 2000s.
The statement added that Heklina's "work as a producer and performer included collaborations on stage and on film, with one of her best friends Peaches Christ. Heklina's accomplishments as a performer, producer, and transgressive LGBTQ+ rights advocate have left an indelible mark on drag, the entertainment industry, San Francisco, and the queer communities worldwide."
Heklina's sudden death prompted an outpouring of support in the Bay Area and around the world. In her own statement she emailed to supporters of Oasis at the time of Heklina's death, Drollinger called Heklina's passing "a devastating blow to the community" that was personally heartbreaking.
Heklina had been a part owner of Oasis.
In 2015, along with Drollinger and other investors, Heklina opened Oasis in South of Market; the same building that once housed the original Oasis. The nightclub has become popular for not only drag shows and DJed dance nights, but comic plays and musicals, cabaret concerts, and community fundraisers. Heklina later sold her share of Oasis ownership and moved to Palm Springs, while still keeping a foothold in the Bay Area's nightlife scene.
Updated, 3/27/25: This article has been updated with comments from London Metropolitan Police.
