Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Trannyshack

Trannyshack was a weekly drag revue in San Francisco, founded in February 1996 by drag performer Heklina (Stefan Grygelko) and Pippi Lovestocking as a midnight Tuesday event at The Stud bar, originating as an extension of the Klubstitute series and characterized by its raw, post-punk aesthetic and inclusive performances amid the city's evolving queer nightlife post-AIDS crisis.^[1]^[2]^[3] The event gained notoriety for featuring boundary-pushing acts, burlesque, and annual pageants like Miss Trannyshack, which often sparked internal debates, such as the 1990s controversy over the first "faux queen" winner Fauxnique, highlighting tensions between biological males in drag and female impersonators.^[3]^[4] Running for over a decade at The Stud until its 2008 finale there, Trannyshack established itself as one of the longest-enduring drag shows in San Francisco, drawing diverse performers and audiences regardless of background.^[5]^[6] In 2014, amid growing objections to the term "tranny" as a slur within segments of the transgender community—exacerbated by broader cultural shifts and prior incidents like a 2010 film festival cancellation—Heklina rebranded it to T-Shack to sustain the event's legacy without alienating attendees or performers.^[7]^[8]^[9] Heklina's death in 2023 marked the end of an era for the institution she pioneered, though its influence persists in San Francisco's drag culture.^[1]^[10]

Founding and Early History

Origins in Klubstitute and Launch in 1996

Trannyshack originated as a spinoff from the Klubstitute event series, which was hosted on Tuesdays at midnight at The Stud bar in San Francisco's South of Market district.^[11]^[1] Drag performer Heklina (stage name of Steven Grygelko, born June 17, 1967) co-founded the event in February 1996 alongside Pippi Lovestocking, establishing it as a dedicated weekly drag show emphasizing irreverent, boundary-pushing performances by drag artists, including those identifying with transgender aesthetics.^[5]^[2]^[1] The launch at The Stud, a longstanding leather bar and queer venue, marked Trannyshack's debut with limited capacity—accommodating only about seven performers initially—yet it quickly gained traction for its raw, unpolished energy contrasting more polished drag formats of the era.^[1] Heklina served as the primary host and producer, curating lineups that featured emerging and established drag talents in a space intentionally free from mainstream commercialization.^[3] This origin reflected the mid-1990s San Francisco underground queer scene's emphasis on DIY ethos and subversion of norms, with Klubstitute providing the foundational platform for experimentation that evolved into Trannyshack's distinct identity.^[11]

Weekly Shows at The Stud Bar

Trannyshack's weekly shows commenced in February 1996 as a Tuesday midnight drag event at The Stud bar in San Francisco's South of Market district, initiated by drag performer Heklina (born Stefan Grygelko), then a bartender at the venue. The Stud's management enlisted Heklina to develop a program aimed at boosting attendance during late-night hours, resulting in performances that emphasized unpolished, inclusive drag acts including lip-syncing and comedic routines.^[3] These shows quickly established Trannyshack as a staple, operating weekly for over 12 years and accommodating the bar's limited capacity of approximately 100 patrons.^[5] The format featured Heklina as host, curating a lineup of local and emerging drag artists who performed in a raw, punk-influenced style distinct from more commercial drag scenes, attracting a diverse crowd encompassing queer individuals, club-goers, and performers from varied socioeconomic and artistic backgrounds.^[12] Performances often highlighted amateur and professional acts alike, with no strict entry barriers for participants, fostering an environment where inclusivity extended to biological males, females, and transgender individuals alike in drag personas.^[7] Attendance grew steadily, with shows drawing consistent crowds that contributed to The Stud's reputation as a hub for alternative queer nightlife, though the intimate space occasionally led to overflow outside the venue.^[13] By 2008, after more than 600 weekly iterations, the Tuesday shows concluded on August 12, marking the end of Trannyshack's residency at The Stud due to shifting venue dynamics and Heklina's evolving projects, though the event's influence persisted in San Francisco's drag community.^[5]^[3] The series' longevity underscored its role in sustaining late-night entertainment at the bar, with archival materials including posters and bulletins documenting themes ranging from tributes to pop culture figures to spontaneous collaborations.

Evolution and Operations

Expansion and Relocation to DNA Lounge in 2008

In 2008, Trannyshack ended its twelve-year weekly residency at The Stud bar in San Francisco's SoMa district, with the final Tuesday night performance occurring on August 12.^[1]^[14] This closure enabled expansion to larger venues, including the DNA Lounge, a capacious nightclub equipped for high-production events.^[7] The relocation shifted the format from intimate, midnight weekly shows to less frequent, bigger-scale productions, allowing for enhanced staging, guest stars, and increased attendance.^[7]^[8] The move to DNA Lounge supported Trannyshack's growth by providing a space suited to elaborate drag performances and competitions, diverging from the constraints of The Stud's smaller capacity. Heklina, the event's founder and perennial host, spearheaded this transition, which also involved touring to cities like Seattle, Portland, and New York to maintain momentum.^[15] Early post-relocation events at DNA Lounge emphasized special formats, setting the stage for formalized monthly shows by 2010.^[1] This expansion reflected practical adaptations to sustain the show's viability amid evolving drag scene dynamics in San Francisco.^[16]

Signature Productions and Performers

Heklina, the stage name of Stefan Grygelko, founded and hosted Trannyshack as its central performer and producer, emceeing events with a signature deadpan humor and hosting a rotating lineup of acts from 1996 until the show's evolution in later years.^[6]^[1] Her performances often featured exaggerated, no-holds-barred drag personas that emphasized campy irreverence and boundary-pushing content, setting the tone for the club's transgressive ethos.^[1] Signature productions at Trannyshack included recurring themed tribute events honoring pop icons, such as Madonna tribute shows in 2011 and David Bowie tributes, which showcased performers lip-syncing and parodying hits in elaborate, satirical costumes.^[17]^[18] Other notable formats encompassed Halloween specials collaborating with performers like Peaches Christ, blending horror-themed drag with musical numbers.^[19] These productions drew crowds with their mix of amateur and professional acts, often launching careers on the small stage at The Stud before expanding to DNA Lounge.^[4] Key performers beyond Heklina included Peaches Christ, a frequent collaborator known for midnight movie-style drag parodies, and Putanesca, who appeared alongside Heklina in core lineups during the DNA Lounge era.^[20] The roster encompassed transsexuals, drag queens, drag kings, and faux queens, with acts emphasizing raw, unfiltered performances that contrasted polished mainstream drag.^[3] Celebrity guests like Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani elevated select events, performing or appearing in the 2000s.^[11] This eclectic ensemble contributed to Trannyshack's reputation for fostering underground talent in San Francisco's queer nightlife.^[4]

Key Events and Competitions

Miss Trannyshack Pageant

The Miss Trannyshack Pageant is an annual drag competition organized as a flagship event of the Trannyshack series, co-produced and co-hosted by Heklina since its inception in the late 1990s.^[1] It quickly became San Francisco's premier drag pageant, drawing large crowds and requiring relocation from The Stud bar to larger venues such as the Regency Ballroom due to overwhelming attendance.^[1] The event emphasizes high-energy performances, humor, and boundary-pushing drag artistry, reflecting Trannyshack's irreverent ethos.^[3] Contestants, typically drag performers from the local scene, compete in categories including swimsuit and evening gown presentations, talent showcases, and interviews, judged on charisma, creativity, and entertainment value.^[21] Winners receive a crown and title, often sparking debates within the community over criteria like authenticity and innovation.^[3] The pageant has historically sold out, underscoring its status as a cultural highlight in San Francisco's drag calendar. No longer confined to nightclubs, it expanded to theater-style productions by the mid-2000s.^[1] Notable controversies include the 1999 crowning of Fauxnique (Monique Jenkinson), the first "faux queen"—a cisgender woman performing in drag—who won amid significant backlash for challenging traditional drag norms dominated by male performers.^[3] ^[22] This victory highlighted tensions over gender boundaries in drag, with some viewing it as progressive reclamation and others as dilution of the form's origins.^[3] Subsequent winners, such as Raya Light in later years, continued the tradition of contested outcomes that fueled the pageant's notoriety.^[23] The event's format evolved to accommodate diverse entrants while maintaining its provocative edge.^[24]

Special Themed and Tribute Events

Trannyshack periodically featured special themed nights that honored specific musical artists, eras, or holidays, providing performers with opportunities to reinterpret icons through drag parody and homage. These events, often held at DNA Lounge after 2008, emphasized the club's irreverent style by blending high-energy lip-syncs, costumes, and audience interaction around a unifying motif, distinct from standard weekly shows or the annual Miss Trannyshack pageant.^[17]^[25] Notable tributes included a Madonna-themed night in the early 2000s at The Stud, where Heklina performed in a "Like a Virgin"-inspired outfit alongside Becky Motorlodge, capturing the show's early playful irreverence toward pop culture staples.^[26] A follow-up Madonna tribute occurred on May 29, 2011, at DNA Lounge, with performers channeling the singer's catalog during the DNA era shows.^[17]^[27] Other artist-focused events comprised a Siouxsie and the Banshees tribute on July 27, 2010, highlighting gothic and post-punk influences through drag interpretations.^[28] A Björk Night, documented in performances of tracks like "All Is Full of Love," opened by Heklina and Glamamore, showcased avant-garde eccentricity in the club's tradition of boundary-pushing acts.^[29] Themed era nights extended to "Ladies of the 80's" on August 2, 2011, at DNA Lounge, featuring drag renditions of decade-defining female artists in a spectacle of neon aesthetics and synth-pop parodies.^[25] Halloween specials, such as the 2011 edition with Peaches Christ, incorporated horror elements and seasonal flair, drawing on Heklina's affinity for the genre to amplify the event's campy, transgressive energy.^[19] These gatherings reinforced Trannyshack's role in fostering a subversive drag community, with attendance bolstered by the novelty of focused creative prompts.^[30]

Controversies

Debate Over the Term "Tranny" and Community Reclamation

The term "tranny," a contraction of "transvestite" or "transsexual," emerged in gay male and drag subcultures during the late 20th century as an informal, often self-applied label used affectionately or humorously within those communities, predating widespread transgender visibility and distinct from external derogatory intent.^[31] In the context of Trannyshack, launched in 1996 by drag performer Heklina (Stefan Grygelko), the name originated from a playful reference to a Lower Haight apartment housing trans women like Bambi Lake, embodying the era's transgressive drag ethos where such terminology signified inclusivity rather than offense. Heklina emphasized that upon the event's inception, "the word 'tranny' was not seen as a hurtful thing," aligning with a period when drag revues routinely employed reclaimed slurs to foster camaraderie among performers and audiences spanning gay, trans, and queer identities.^[15]^[32] Reclamation efforts within drag and queer circles positioned "tranny" akin to terms like "dyke" or "faggot," which had been repurposed through ironic or empowering usage in performance art and nightlife, as evidenced by Trannyshack's two-decade run featuring diverse casts without initial intra-community backlash.^[31] Advocates, including Heklina, argued that context mattered—internal, consensual application in spaces like San Francisco's Stud Bar or DNA Lounge lacked the malice of outsider slurs, preserving a raw authenticity central to drag's cultural rebellion.^[15] However, by the early 2010s, transgender activists increasingly contested this, with organizations like GLAAD designating "tranny" as dehumanizing and offensive regardless of intent, fueling debates over whether reclamation could override evolving harm perceptions amid rising trans rights awareness.^[31] The Trannyshack controversy crystallized these tensions in 2014, when activist critiques highlighted the term's potential to alienate trans participants, prompting Heklina to reflect on shifting norms: "Today, it is [seen as hurtful]," though she attributed some opposition to "over-sensitivity" absent hurtful intent.^[15] Community responses divided along generational lines, with longtime fans defending the name's historical irreverence and performers like Justin Bond decrying the change as capitulation to external pressures that erased queer subcultural nuance.^[33] Heklina ultimately prioritized inclusivity, opting for a rebrand to "T-Shack" to bridge divides, underscoring how reclamation debates often pivoted on balancing legacy irreverence against broader societal sensitivities rather than uniform consensus.^[32]

2014 Name Change to T-Shack Under Activist Pressure

In May 2014, Heklina, the founder and host of Trannyshack, announced plans to rebrand the long-running San Francisco drag event by removing the term "tranny" from its name, citing pressure from transgender activists who viewed it as a derogatory slur.^[8]^[34] The decision followed years of growing objections within activist circles, where "tranny"—once casually used and even reclaimed in drag and queer subcultures—had become equated with the "T-word," prompting calls for its elimination from public-facing branding to avoid perpetuating harm against transgender individuals.^[35] Heklina stated in interviews that while the original name originated playfully from a shared apartment in San Francisco's Lower Haight district in the 1990s, evolving community sensitivities and external advocacy necessitated the shift to maintain the event's inclusive ethos amid broader cultural changes.^[15]^[7] The rebranding to "T-Shack" was not without further contention; some activists argued it inadequately distanced the event from its origins, viewing the abbreviated form as insufficiently repudiating the prior terminology and potentially evading full accountability.^[36] Heklina, however, defended the choice as a pragmatic evolution rather than outright capitulation, emphasizing Trannyshack's history of featuring performers from diverse backgrounds, including transgender artists, and rejecting demands for a complete overhaul that might erase two decades of established legacy.^[15] This episode highlighted tensions between drag's irreverent, insider reclamation of slurs and activist pushes for broader societal desistance, with Heklina noting in a KALW discussion that the pressure reflected a generational shift where terms once normalized in nightlife spaces were now scrutinized through lenses of systemic offense.^[35] By late 2014, the transition to T-Shack was underway, with Heklina implementing the change gradually through updated promotions and event listings at venues like DNA Lounge, though international offshoots such as Trannyshack London opted to retain the original name, underscoring regional variances in activist influence.^[37]^[9] The move aligned with parallel controversies, such as RuPaul's Drag Race temporarily dropping "tranny" from its vocabulary in response to similar critiques, illustrating a pattern of concessions to activist demands in queer entertainment despite internal community debates over linguistic ownership.^[38]

Cultural Impact and Reception

Influence on San Francisco Drag Scene

Trannyshack, founded by Heklina in February 1996 at The Stud bar, established itself as San Francisco's longest-running drag show, running weekly for over two decades and fostering an inclusive environment that drew performers from diverse backgrounds regardless of experience or style.^[39] ^[7] This longevity provided a consistent platform amid the post-AIDS crisis recovery, when new medications in the mid-1990s enabled a celebratory resurgence in queer nightlife, positioning Trannyshack as a key venue for boundary-pushing performances that contrasted with more polished drag formats.^[14] The event's transgressive, punk-infused ethos—characterized by irreverent humor, DIY aesthetics, and unapologetic edginess—influenced subsequent San Francisco drag by prioritizing raw entertainment over commercial gloss, inspiring a generation of performers to experiment freely and launch careers through its open stage.^[1] ^[39] Heklina's role as host and mentor amplified this impact, as she guided emerging talents and created intersections among disparate drag subcultures, from high-camp to underground, helping to define the city's queer performance scene as resilient and multifaceted.^[16] ^[40] ^[26] By challenging societal norms through audacious acts and maintaining an "anything goes" policy, Trannyshack contributed to a broader cultural shift in drag toward reclamation of taboo elements, influencing global perceptions of San Francisco as a drag epicenter while resisting mainstream sanitization trends.^[41] ^[42] Its model of community-driven events underscored drag's role in queer resilience, with Heklina's productions serving as a beacon for authenticity in an evolving landscape.^[20]

Media Coverage and Documentary

"Filthy Gorgeous: The Trannyshack Story", a 2005 documentary directed by Sean Mullins, chronicles the history of Trannyshack from its inception in 1996, featuring interviews with key performers and highlighting its irreverent rock 'n' roll drag style that ran for over 12 years at venues like The Stud.^[43] The film emphasizes the event's subversive performances and cultural significance in San Francisco's queer nightlife, drawing on archival footage and performer testimonials to depict its evolution as a staple of the local drag scene.^[44] A follow-up documentary, "Blood, Sweat, & Glitter", focuses on the Trannyshack (later T-Shack) era, preserved in archival collections alongside interviews from primary performers, though it remains difficult to access publicly.^[45] Additionally, KQED's 2013 short documentary "Heklina" profiles founder Heklina and Trannyshack's status as San Francisco's longest-running drag show since 1996, incorporating performance clips and discussions of its inclusive appeal across diverse audiences.^[46] A 2015 PBS broadcast of the KQED piece further extended its reach, underscoring Heklina's role in sustaining the event through relocations and thematic evolutions.^[47] Trannyshack received consistent coverage in San Francisco-based outlets, with SFGate reporting on its 2008 relocation from The Stud to DNA Lounge after 12 years, framing it as a foundational queer institution.^[5] The East Bay Times covered its 10-year milestone in 2006, noting Heklina's annual Miss Trannyshack Pageant and its role in filling slow Tuesday nights at The Stud with drag traditions.^[6] The 2014 name change to T-Shack amid evolving terminology drew articles from SFGate, SFist, and The Advocate, which detailed Heklina's announcement via Facebook and the event's commitment to inclusion despite activist pressures.^[7] ^[8] ^[9] Following Heklina's death in April 2023, media retrospectives intensified, with the San Francisco Chronicle's Datebook section describing Trannyshack videos as inspirational for emerging performers and Heklina as a beacon in the queer community.^[20] KQED highlighted its two-decade influence on San Francisco's drag culture in a 2024 article, crediting Heklina's hosting for shaping global perceptions despite occasional controversies over its provocative name.^[39] Local radio like KALW covered its 2014 transformation into "Mother" at DNA Lounge, positioning it as a revival of historic gay club scenes.^[48] These accounts, primarily from regional press, underscore Trannyshack's endurance but note limited national attention beyond niche queer media.

Legacy

Decline and Current Status

Following the cessation of its weekly Tuesday nights at The Stud bar in 2008, Trannyshack transitioned to occasional live events and touring productions, marking the onset of reduced operational frequency.^[5]^[49] This shift reflected broader challenges in sustaining consistent attendance amid San Francisco's evolving nightlife landscape, though founder Heklina maintained the brand through sporadic performances.^[50] The 2014 rebranding to Mother, prompted by activist objections to the original name, and the subsequent relocation to Oasis nightclub in January 2015, preserved the event's continuity but coincided with ongoing venue transitions and cultural debates over terminology.^[9]^[34] Oasis, co-founded by Heklina and D'Arcy Drollinger, hosted Mother as a flagship drag showcase, yet attendance pressures intensified post-2019 when Heklina exited ownership.^[51] By the early 2020s, the show's regularity diminished further, influenced by pandemic disruptions to live entertainment and the loss of its central figure.^[52] As of 2025, Mother/Trannyshack operates without regular programming, effectively in hiatus following Heklina's 2023 death and the July 2025 announcement of Oasis's closure on January 1, 2026, attributed to persistent declining attendance in San Francisco's queer nightlife sector.^[52]^[51]^[53] Tribute events, such as the July 2025 Heklina fundraiser at Oasis, have occurred but do not indicate revival of ongoing series.^[54] The brand's legacy persists in archival materials and occasional homages, though no verifiable active iterations exist amid the venue's shuttering and broader industry contraction.^[26]^[50]

Heklina's Death and Ongoing Investigations

Heklina, born Paul Steven Grygelko, was discovered deceased on April 3, 2023, in a rented flat in Soho, London, by fellow performer Peaches Christ (Joshua Grannell).^[10]^[55] The London Metropolitan Police treated the death as unexpected and initiated an investigation, with an initial autopsy failing to determine the cause.^[56] Heklina was found still in drag attire and in a compromising position, which some associates suggested may have influenced the handling of the scene.^[57] As of March 2025, police reported believing that Heklina had a "lethal amount of drugs" in her system at the time of death, based on toxicology findings shared with Grannell.^[10]^[58] However, no official cause of death has been publicly confirmed, and the coroner's certificate from April 2023 listed it as "undetermined."^[59] The body was cremated in London shortly after discovery, limiting further forensic examination.^[60] The investigation remains active, with police releasing CCTV footage in January 2025 appealing for information on three men observed leaving the flat hours before the body was found.^[55]^[61] Protests occurred in March 2025 outside Scotland Yard and in San Francisco, where demonstrators alleged investigative delays, poor communication, and potential institutional bias against LGBTQ+ individuals, including homophobia or transphobia, hampered progress.^[61]^[62] Police have acknowledged some internal challenges but denied systemic prejudice, while continuing efforts to unlock Heklina's phone for additional evidence.^[63] These claims of bias stem primarily from community advocates and have not been independently verified beyond police admissions of procedural issues.^[64]

References

[1]
Heklina (1967-2023) – SF Gay History
Apr 14, 2023 · San Francisco's legendary drag queen Heklina, creator of the infamously transgressive drag show Trannyshack and one-time co-owner of the SOMA nightclub Oasis, ...
[2]
Trannyshack Collection, 1996-2008 - Digital Transgender Archive
The club Trannyshack was founded in February 1996 by Steven Grygelko, known by the professional moniker Heklina. Trannyshack was a drag show staged every ...
[3]
[PDF] GLC 58 Trannyshack Collection - San Francisco Public Library
The club Trannyshack was founded in February of 1996, by Steven Grygelko (b. June 17,. 1967- ) known by the professional moniker Heklina. Trannyshack was staged ...
[4]
Trannyshack Collection, 1996-2008 - OAC - California Digital Library
The Miss Trannyshack pageant was also expected to be controversial and winners were always contested, most dramatically when the first faux queen Fauxnique won ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[5]
Kissing Trannyshack goodbye - SFGATE
Aug 19, 2008 · Trannyshack, the 12-year-old institution founded and hosted by drag queen Heklina, completed its run this month at the pint-size South of Market venue the Stud.
[6]
Trannyshack: A San Francisco drag queen tradition celebrates 10 ...
Aug 17, 2016 · Trannyshack brought some of the most bohemian – and at times downright bizarre – displays of burlesque in the area; all within an underground venue.Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
[7]
Trannyshack updates name to T-Shack as terms, times change
May 22, 2014 · For Heklina, the event's core was always about inclusion. "Every walk of life came to, and performed at, Trannyshack. ... It didn't matter (and ...
[8]
SF Institution Trannyshack Changing Name Amid PC Pressure - SFist
May 21, 2014 · SF-based drag queen Heklina (aka Stefan Grygelko) announced this week that she'll be taking the "tranny" out of Trannyshack once and for all.
[9]
Trannyshack No More: Founder Launches Rebranding Effort
May 21, 2014 · Since 1996, San Francisco-based drag event Trannyshack has been drawing crowds. After recent controversy surrounding the name, the event'sMissing: notable | Show results with:notable
[10]
New details revealed in death of S.F. drag star Heklina in London
Mar 26, 2025 · As the co-founder of the “Trannyshack” drag night at the Stud bar in 1996, she helped create an AIDS-trauma-infused, post-punk aesthetic ...
[11]
Trannyshack - San Francisco - LocalWiki
Trannyshack is a monthly drag club taking place at DNA Lounge in San Francisco. It was started by drag queen Heklina in 1996 as an offshoot of Klubstitute.
[12]
The Stud: Come As Who You Are - San Francisco Bay Times
Apr 4, 2024 · Possibly the Stud's longest running and certainly the most influential club was Trannyshack, which began in 1996 when Heklina (né Stefan ...
[13]
K.M. Soehnlein remembers The Stud, San Francisco's oldest queer ...
May 22, 2020 · Falsetta closed out the final night of Trannyshack in an epic performance as three generations of drug-damaged club kids lip-synching three ...
[14]
50 years in 50 weeks; 2008's loved 'shack - Bay Area Reporter
... Trannyshack night at The Stud before exporting it to DNA Lounge and other larger venues. "There was a real need for Trannyshack," said Heklina in our interview.Missing: moves | Show results with:moves<|control11|><|separator|>
[15]
Exclusive: SFist Talks With Heklina About The Rebranding Of ...
May 23, 2014 · I spoke with Trannyshack founder and host Heklina, who since ending the weekly incarnation of the club in 2008 has taken it on tour to Seattle, Portland, New ...Missing: Klubstitute | Show results with:Klubstitute
[16]
Heklina helped create a drag scene that reached beyond San ...
Apr 12, 2023 · Heklina first gained a loyal following with Trannyshack, which she co-founded with Pippi Lovestocking in 1996 and was famously hosted at the ...
[17]
Heklina's TRANNYSHACK at DNA Lounge | Madonna Tribute (San ...
Apr 6, 2023 · ... productions at DNA Lounge. Though some Utube audio ... Heklina's TRANNYSHACK at DNA Lounge | Madonna Tribute (San Francisco, 2011).
[18]
Trannyshack The Bay Area Shows on DoTheBay
Mar 12 · David Bowie Tribute ; May 24 · Trannyshack ; Mar 20 · Trannyshack ; Sep 19 · Trannyshack: Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry Tribute ; Aug 15 · Trannyshack: Michael ...
[19]
Halloween Special with Peaches Christ (San Francisco, 2011)
Apr 6, 2023 · ... DNA. Heklina's TRANNYSHACK at DNA Lounge | Halloween Special with Peaches Christ (San Francisco, 2011). 55 views · 2 years ago ...more. Mister ...Missing: signature productions performers
[20]
'Heklina was a beacon': Beloved San Francisco drag queen ...
Apr 6, 2023 · ... Heklina first hosted at the Stud Bar in 1996. “Heklina was a beacon ... “Trannyshack” founder Heklina (middle) flanked by “Trannyshack ...
[21]
Miss Trannyshack Pageant 2007 - YouTube
Miss Trannyshack 2007 Swimsuit Competition · Raya Light's Miss Trannyshack Stepdown · Heklina with Trixxie Carr sing the Trannyshack Song · The Incomparable Miss ...
[22]
Heklina - Wikipedia
Steven Thor Grygelko (June 17, 1967 - April 3, 2023), known professionally as Heklina, was an American and Icelandic actor, drag queen, LGBT rights activist ...Career · Mother (formerly Trannyshack) · Theater and community activities · Death
[23]
Women In Drag - Curve Magazine
Apr 4, 2021 · The first female drag queen to pop up was Fauxnique from San Francisco who made herstory as the first woman to win the Miss Trannyshack Pageant ...
[24]
I AM YOUR QUEEN: Raya Light | Archives | sfweekly.com
Jun 15, 2016 · ... Miss Trannyshack pageant … Puta became my drag mother and Glamour ... Stacker compiled a list of the movies leaving Hulu in October using data ...
[25]
Who will become Miss Trannyshack 2005? - East Bay Times
Aug 17, 2016 · When Heklina started Trannyshack, at the request of co-workers at the Stud who wanted to liven up dull Tuesdays, she had no idea it would become ...
[26]
Trannyshack: Ladies of the 80's at DNA Lounge - Vimeo
Aug 2, 2011 · A highlight of the spectacular Trannyshack's Ladies of the 80's Night at San Francisco's DNA Lounge. http://www.trannyshack.com/ ...
[27]
Inside Heklina's closet: S.F. drag icon's costumes, wigs and makeup ...
Sep 26, 2025 · Heklina kept posters and press materials for many of her events, including Trannyshack, Daytime Realness and one-off parties. The Miss ...<|separator|>
[28]
Trannyshack Madonna Tribute - Exhibit Q with Trixxie Carr - YouTube
Jun 19, 2011 · Mister WA - Raw Footage Series May 29th, 2011 Trannyshack Madonna Tribute DNA Lounge, San Francisco ... Heklina's TRANNYSHACK at DNA Lounge | ...Missing: themed | Show results with:themed
[29]
Trannyshack 2010 : Siouxsie Tribute - YouTube
Jul 27, 2010 · Comments · Siouxsie Interview 5-7-02 V Graham Norton · Heklina's TRANNYSHACK at DNA Lounge | Madonna Tribute (San Francisco, 2011) · Entitled ...Missing: themed | Show results with:themed
[30]
Experience the Iconic Trannyshack Performance by Heklina ...
Jul 22, 2025 · I remember this performance like it was yesterday—Heklina & Glamamore opening Trannyshack's Björk Night with All Is Full of Love, ...Missing: events tribute
[31]
A Party with Heklina. We both loved horror and Halloween and ...
Oct 31, 2024 · ... Heklina! #heklina #peacheschrist #trannyshack @glamgender @djpinkyring @heklina @designnurd @davidayllon @ibtrav".Missing: tribute | Show results with:tribute
[32]
How 'Tranny' Became a Slur - by River Page - The Free Press
Aug 24, 2024 · The "tranny" slur was coined by gay men and used by everyone—until one day, it was rebranded as transphobic, writes River Page for The Free ...
[33]
Drag show "Tranny Shack" rebranding to "T Shack" - planet trans
May 25, 2014 · Heklina, the owner of the drag show formely known as "tranny shack" has announced that it will be known in the future as "T Shack".Missing: term | Show results with:term
[34]
PERFORMANCE ARTIST JUSTIN BOND FIRES BACK AFTER ...
May 25, 2014 · In my opinion there is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with Heklina changing the name of Trannyshack in an effort to “rebrand” her legendarily ...
[35]
San Francisco's Trannyshack Club Plans To Change Name
May 22, 2014 · ... Trannyshack will drop the "tranny" and change its name to appease transgender activists. ... "It was never really a slur when (Trannyshack) ...Missing: controversy | Show results with:controversy
[36]
Tranny: Now The T-Word - KALW
Jun 4, 2014 · "Trannyshack," has had to change its name to "T-Shack." San Francisco promoter Heklina talks with host and producer Marilyn Pittman about ...
[37]
Saw That Coming: SF Drag Institution/Club Night Trannyshack ...
The new name? T-Shack. The change isn't good enough for some—naturally—and Heklina is getting grief for the new name and grief for the fact that "Trannyshack" ...
[38]
Exclusive: Trannyshack London will not change name, despite US ...
May 26, 2014 · Trannyshack London has “no plans” to change its name, despite Trannyshack San Francisco announcing a rebrand to T-Shack. Drag artist Heklina, ...Missing: controversy | Show results with:controversy
[39]
RuPaul: We can't use the T-word anymore, so I'm saying 'granny ...
Oct 26, 2014 · The iconic San Francisco bar Trannyshack decided to change its name to T-Shack in May this year, due to controversy surrounding the use of ...
[40]
How SF's Drag Queens Shaped the City (and the World) - KQED
Mar 21, 2024 · ... Trannyshack, “it was artistic, it was crazy, it was outrageous, it was drug and alcohol-fueled, and it was pure.” “[The word 'tranny' was] ...Missing: reclamation | Show results with:reclamation
[41]
Heklina, San Francisco Drag Legend, Has Died in London | KQED
Apr 3, 2023 · By then, Trannyshack had become a San Francisco drag institution, and Heklina took Herrera under her wing.
[42]
Heklina - Fleurs de Villes
Her drag career took flight in the early 1990s when she co-founded the iconic Trannyshack, a legendary drag performance club in San Francisco. Through ...Missing: origins Klubstitute launch 1996<|separator|>
[43]
Remembering Heklina & Stefan - Out In The Bay
May 25, 2023 · ... history Heklina profoundly affected: Heklina's drag show Mother, née Trannyshack, (1996-2020 ) influenced drag performance globally; Heklina ...
[44]
Filthy Gorgeous: The Trannyshack Story (2005) - IMDb
Rating 7.3/10 (61) ... San Francisco ... Those who frequent the show then and now truly enjoy intellectual and slightly askew views of both the world and the performers of Trannyshack.
[45]
Filthy Gorgeous, The Trannyshack Story
In 1996, host Heklina first mounted Trannyshack, an irreverent rock 'n' roll drag show featuring subversive absurdist performances, a fierce soundtrack, ...
[46]
[PDF] Trannyshack Collection, - Digital Transgender Archive
The series contains two documentaries on Trannyshack, footage of the final "Kiss-Off" event in 2008, and an oral history interview of Heklina. Arrangement.
[47]
Watch: 'Heklina,' a Short Documentary of the Drag Legend | KQED
Nov 20, 2013 · This documentary profiles Heklina, who is the founder and hostess of Trannyshack, currently San Francisco's longest-running drag show.Missing: signature | Show results with:signature<|separator|>
[48]
Heklina | Truly CA - PBS
Aug 13, 2015 · Heklina is the founder and hostess of Trannyshack, SF's longest-running drag show ... Homegrown: Documentary Shorts Collection. Support for ...
[49]
Trannyshack Transforms Into Mother - KALW
Dec 25, 2014 · Drag impresario Heklina, of "Trannyshack" fame, has revitalized what used to be the hot corner of the gay male club scene in the '70s and ...Missing: media | Show results with:media
[50]
How the Stud Was Saved | Archives | sfweekly.com
Feb 15, 2017 · Heklina's madcap, long-running, monthly drag show, Trannyshack, famously ran for more than a decade. (It wound down in 2008, but has since ...
[51]
Announced Closure of Oasis Signifies Major Changes to Bay Area ...
Jul 31, 2025 · Perhaps the most dramatic saved-from-the-brink example is The Stud, where the late great Heklina started the legendary Trannyshack and other ...
[52]
SF drag nightclub Oasis closing January 1 - Bay Area Reporter
Jul 21, 2025 · Oasis was opened by Drollinger, the late drag performer Heklina, and others in 2014. Heklina had been a part-owner till 2019. It was home to a ...Missing: Trannyshack | Show results with:Trannyshack
[53]
Queer SoMa Nightclub Oasis Set to Close After 10 Years ... - SFist
Jul 21, 2025 · Oasis emerged in 2015 on the heels of Heklina's success with Mother, the drag showcase that succeeded Trannyshack and that originated at The ...
[54]
San Francisco Drag Club Oasis plans to close at the end of 2025
Jul 22, 2025 · Drollinger says it is a happy coincidence that the announcement fell on the same day as the "Heklina Tribute Show", an event to raise money to ...Missing: Trannyshack | Show results with:Trannyshack
[55]
Why beloved drag club Oasis is closing—and how its spirit must live ...
Jul 22, 2025 · Monday night's packed Heklina Tribute extravaganza at 10-year-old SoMa drag club Oasis—a fundraiser to digitize the local legend's mountain ...
[56]
Details emerge in investigation of SF legend's death - SFGATE
Jan 28, 2025 · Nearly two years after the sudden death of legendary San Francisco drag performer Heklina, London police have issued a public appeal seeking out three men.
[57]
London Police Investigate Death of SF Drag Performer Heklina
Apr 5, 2023 · The death is being treated as "unexpected" and is under investigation. An autopsy has not yet been completed to determine the cause of death as ...
[58]
Heklina's death investigation was fumbled by police for these ...
Apr 1, 2025 · When Heklina's body was found by Peaches Christ, she was still in drag and found in a compromising position, potentially leading to internal ...
[59]
New information materializes in SF drag icon Heklina's cause of death
Mar 27, 2025 · Both were told “a combination of an amount of drugs that would be considered lethal” were in her system, Grannell confirmed to SFGATE on ...
[60]
S.F. Drag queen Heklina's cause of death is still a mystery, and the ...
Apr 1, 2025 · The London coroner on April 27, 2023, released a “Certificate of the Fact of Death” which lists the cause of death as “undetermined.” An ...
[61]
Peaches Christ speaks up after 2 years since Heklina's death
Feb 24, 2025 · Heklina was cremated in London. And, while there was an autopsy, we've never been told or given the results that would include cause of death.
[62]
Scotland Yard protesters demand justice for drag artist found dead ...
Mar 31, 2025 · They alleged the investigation into her death had been marred by delays, a lack of communication and institutional homophobia. More than 100 ...
[63]
'Justice for Heklina' rally and march in London and San Francisco
Mar 31, 2025 · Nearly 100 people rallied across the pond for Heklina. It's a case where no official cause of death has been announced by the police. Fellow ...<|separator|>
[64]
Did homophobia hinder Heklina's death investigation? Police face ...
Feb 5, 2025 · ... San Francisco drag performer. Heklina, cofounder of San Francisco's legendary drag night Trannyshack and South of Market nightclub Oasis ...
[65]
Homophobic Met Police facing protests over the death of drag icon ...
Mar 30, 2025 · There is private acceptance that internal bias has held up the investigation into her death. Heklina: a life celebrated but a death shrouded in ...