“I am shocked and horrified to bring this news to you,” wrote drag queen performer Peaches Christ from London. “I am living in a real-life nightmare so forgive me if I don’t
have all the answers just now. This morning, in London, England I went to collect my dear friend Heklina, who is co-starring with me in a Mommie Queerest show here, and found her dead. I do 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. 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. I shall be in touch.”
Heklina, whose name is Stefan Grygelko outside of drag, comes from the San Francisco scene but is widely known in the LGBTQ community including in the city of West Hollywood. She first became famous with the show Trannyshack (later renamed Mother for obvious reasons), premiering in 1996 at the city’s Stud bar and later moving to the larger DNA Lounge.
“So many people are beside themselves and in shock today,” wrote L.A. club promoter Mario Diaz. We lost a good friend. A funny f’n dry ass bitch.”
So many people are beside themselves and in shock today. We lost a good friend. A funny f’n dry ass bitch. Part of our family. You kicked ass babe! ICON. Say hi to Cookie if you bump into her babe. I love you. #HeklinaForever @Heklina pic.twitter.com/bksE4LjBBy
— GayUncleMario (@mariodiaz) April 4, 2023
“I’m heartbroken,” tweeted local queen Miss Coco Peru. “We communicated recently and nothing made me happier than making her cackle.”
I'm heartbroken. 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. pic.twitter.com/UyIcRV7svy— Miss Coco Peru (@themisscocoperu) April 3, 2023
According to reports, Heklina opened the Oasis bar in another San Francisco bar, with other business partners in 2015. She later sold her interest in the bar and moved to Palm Springs, in 2019. She often returned to San Francisco, hosting a monthly party, “Daytime Realness,” at the city’s El Rio bar. She opened the season there March 18, according to the San Francisco Standard reports.
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. pic.twitter.com/AN01QTSCaf
— OASIS (@sfoasis) April 3, 2023
I just read that Heklina is gone. I'm devastated. She was kind and funny, innovative and an artist with a an amazing outrageous sense of humor. I am in shock. I know she will be massively missed her friens and fans and all lovers of drag. So much love to all who knew her. pic.twitter.com/NMZxK9kUcb
— Miss Julie Brown (@missjuliebrown) April 4, 2023
Rest in peace