EP148: REMEMBERING OUR FRIEND AND AN INTERVIEW WITH DRAG ICON HEKLINA

It hurts us deeply that we and the world have lost the powerhouse artist known worldwide as HEKLINA. A deep fiend of the pod, Heklina supported, joined, and was key in helping Cult and Classic Films podcast become what it is today. Host Nate Wyckoff shares his thoughts and memories on the legend herself, followed by a replay of our 2022 interview with Heklina where we talk today's drag and all about her amazing career and contributions to our culture.

It's "A CELEBRATION OF HEKLINA" on this week's episode of CULT and CLASSIC Podcast. Listen wherever pods are found, and at https://cultandclassicpodcast.com/

Host: Nate Wyckoff

Guest: Heklina

Us on HEKLINA:

Heklina was a drag queen of legendary prominence that built a strong community in San Francisco, the greater Palm Springs area, and around the world. Her caustic humor was often rotted and laced with brilliant wit, and was a shocking contrast to her personal kindness and desire to help others. As the Golden Girls theme song says, Heklina—"Thank you for being a friend.”

Even MORE on HEKLINA:

Heklina is the stage name of Stefan Grygelko, a drag queen and performance artist who is primarily known for her work in the San Francisco drag scene. Heklina co-founded the drag performance troupe, The Trannyshack, in 1996, which became a popular venue for drag artists and performers, featuring both local and national talent. In addition to her work with The Trannyshack, Heklina has also appeared in various films and television shows, including "All About Evil" from 2010 and "Shit & Champagne” from 2020. Heklina has been an incredible and influential figure in the drag community, and has been recognized for her contributions to the art form with several awards, also serving as Grand Marshall of San Francisco Pride 2004.