A protest march in London commemorating drag star Heklina’s death is set for March 31, 2023. Organised by Peaches Christ, the march aims to seek justice and accountability from the Metropolitan Police following the unexplained circumstances surrounding Heklina’s death nearly two years ago, amid ongoing frustrations over the case’s investigation.
Peaches Christ has announced a rally in London to commemorate Heklina’s death and demand accountability from the Metropolitan Police. Nearly two years after Heklina was found dead in her rented flat in Soho, questions remain unanswered about the circumstances of her passing, with no cause of death reported.
Heklina was discovered on April 3, 2023, before a performance of “Mommie Queerest.” Peaches Christ, alongside Heklina’s estate executor Nancy French, have expressed frustration over the alleged mismanagement of the investigation, attributing it to potential homophobic bias.
The “Justice for Heklina” march is scheduled for March 31 at 10 a.m., starting near Big Ben and ending at the Metropolitan Police Headquarters. Notable speakers include Peaches Christ, Ana Matronic of the Scissor Sisters, and other drag performers.
Peaches Christ highlighted that the Metropolitan Police approved the protest permit, stating, “they are very clearly aware of it, and that’s the idea, to remind them of the injustice.” Heklina, who helped found the Trannyshack club in 1996, left a significant mark on the San Francisco drag scene.
During the April 2023 London trip, Peaches Christ left their flat for a weekend, returning to find Heklina deceased with drugs found nearby. Peaches was later cleared of suspicion. The global drag community mourned Heklina’s loss, leading to tributes including a memorial service at the Castro Theatre.
Recent developments include police releasing CCTV footage of three men leaving the flat. This, along with an apology to Heklina’s family, garnered international media attention. A year after acknowledging biases in the investigation, the police have now assigned new personnel and initiated an independent review into the case, with Peaches Christ remaining hopeful for systemic change.
The planned protest in London highlights ongoing frustrations surrounding Heklina’s unexplained death, with a focus on demanding accountability from the police. Friends and supporters are coming together to seek justice, reflecting the impact Heklina had on the drag community. The investigation into her death continues to face scrutiny as new leads emerge, and the community remains hopeful for progress.
Original Source: datebook.sfchronicle.com