Life

Tributes pour in after “beloved and iconic” drag legend Heklina dies aged 54

By Conor Clark

4th April 2023

Tributes have been pouring in after Heklina, one of San Francisco’s most beloved drag queens, died in London at the age of 54.

The star was in the UK with fellow drag artist Peaches Christ as the two were set to perform in Mommie Queerest, a parody of the 1981 film Mommy Dearest, at the Soho Theatre in London and HOME in Manchester.

News of Heklina’s passing was announced by her co-star on 3 April.

“I am living in a real-life nightmare so forgive me if I don’t have all the answers just now,” Peaches wrote on social media.

“This morning, in London, England I went to collect my dear friend Heklina, who is costarring with me in a Mommie Queerest show here, and found her dead.”

Peaches also explained that she did not know the cause of death yet.

“I know this is shocking news and I am beyond stunned, but I wanted to let folks know what has happened,” she continued.

“Heklina is not just my best friend, but a beloved icon of our community.

“I am a mess. Given this crisis, please do not try to contact me as I am utterly heartbroken, stunned, and focusing on what needs to get done next.”

There has since been an outpouring of support for both Peaches and Heklina as performers from all over the world paid their respects to the influential queen.

Drag Race winner Trixie Mattel tweeted: “Icon! Heklina was punk rock and made drag what it is today. Legend.”

“I’m heartbroken,” Miss Coco Peru wrote alongside several images of her and Heklina. “We communicated nearly everyday and nothing made me happier than making her cackle. We visited recently and I’m so grateful we spent some time together.

“Heklina, I loved and adored you and my only comfort right now is in knowing that I told you that often.”

Oasis, one of San Francisco’s most well known LGBTQ+ venues where Heklina had performed several times, said: “We are shocked and devastated to learn of the passing of Heklina today. Oasis will be open at 4pm for drinks, stories, and community, if you’d like to come by. Sending love to all.”

Lady Bunny shared that she “assumed this was an April Fool’s thing” knowing Peaches’ sense of humour, before stating she will “miss that funny bitch”.

Drag Race UK star Crystal also paid tribute to Heklina.

“This is really fucking awful! Heklina was a drag pioneer and San Francisco legend,” she wrote online. “I’m very shocked by this.”

See how others paid their respects to Heklina below.