It’s nothing new that a crime against an LGBTQ+ person is swept under the rug. In many cases, officials slow walk investigations or just ignore it all together.
While we have a stellar police force in Palm Springs. most of the rest of the world is not so fortunate. Case in point, the still-myterious death of Heklina, the beloved drag performer found dead in London over two years ago.
We re-published a new investigative piece in The Guardian today that asks why her friends and fans are still waiting for an answer. The article begins by quoting Sister Roma, “Yeah, she was a bitch, but she was a bitch in the best possible way.”
Heklina had deep roots in Palm Springs spending much of her time her after making her mark in San Fransisco. She had moved here in 2020, buying a house near her good friend, Nancy French. They were to grow old together, according to the article. As well, Nancy expressed that on KGAY as John Taylor interviewed her after Heklina’s death.
After multiple investigators on the case, communications ignored and calls for the Metropolitan Police to do their job, her friends going to the press seems to have finally brought the spotlight back on the case.
Peaches Christ organized protests a year ago, and now it appears police may be ready to call the case an accidental overdose. But the fact that three men were seen on CCTV leaving Heklina’s flat leaves open that it was a murder. Peaches is hopeful that this incident will help shine a light on the Met police’s longstanding institutional homophobia.
She asks, “Can we move the dial so that the police feel pressure to do better with future cases involving people from our community?” And that sentiment extends to all of us after two deaths of peaceful protesters at the hands of federal law enforcement in Minneapolis.
Next week, I’ll be flying to San Francisco to attend the reopening of the Castro Theatre, where Heklina had performed, where the famous Drag Roast of Heklina was filmed in 2018 and where her memorial service had occurred on May 23, 2023.
She would have loved our new Plaza Theatre. And I’ll be thinking of her impact on our LGBTQ+ community when I report from there in a few weeks.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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MON & TUE at the McCallum
Two standout evenings await at the McCallum Theatre: On Monday, January 26, the Mineria Symphony Orchestra of Mexico brings its acclaimed artistry to the stage for subscribers. The following night, Tuesday, January 27, Tango After Dark delivers a thrilling showcase led by German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, joined by eight world‑class dancers and live music inspired by Astor Piazzolla. Get tickets
TUE–SAT: Assassins
Revolution Stage Company presents Assassins, the Tony Award–winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman, running January 16–31. This bold and provocative production examines the motivations and mythology surrounding nine figures who attempted to alter American history, blending dark humor, sharp commentary, and unforgettable music. Gay Desert Guide theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “Assassins is one of those rare musicals that manages to be unsettling, darkly funny, and unexpectedly moving all at once.” Read his full review and Get tickets
WED: The Center Social
The first Center Social of the new year is on Wednesday, January 28 from 5:30–7 pm at Boozehounds, offering a relaxed early‑evening meetup where community members can connect, unwind, and enjoy a welcoming happy‑hour atmosphere. Held every fourth Wednesday (at a different location each month), this monthly gathering creates an easy space for conversation, friendship, and strengthening ties within the local LGBTQ+ community. More info
WED: Spamilton: An American Parody
On Wednesday, January 28 at 7:30 pm, The Plaza Theatre ignites with Spamilton: An American Parody, Gerard Alessandrini’s riotous send‑up of Broadway’s biggest hits. Performed by a dynamic cast of eight, this fast‑paced musical spoof blends celebrity satire, pop‑culture jabs, and hip‑hop‑infused showtunes into a laugh‑out‑loud evening. After acclaimed runs in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London, Spamilton arrives in Palm Springs ready to stage a full‑blown comedy revolution. Get tickets
WED–SUN: One Man, Two Guvnors
CVRep presents the riotous comedy One Man, Two Guvnors, running through Sunday, February 1. This adaptation of a classic farce follows the endlessly hungry Francis Henshall (Peter Fanone), who takes on two jobs—while desperately trying to keep his bosses from discovering each other. With sharp wit, physical comedy and songs by Grant Olding, this fast‑paced production delivers a joyful tangle of mistaken identities, near‑misses and escalating chaos that keeps audiences laughing from start to finish. Our theatre reviewer Stephen Radosh says “Peter Fanone delivers a performance with enough wattage to light up the entire valley.” Read his full review and Get tickets
THU: Business and Education Resource Fair
The Business and Education Resource Fair offers a valuable morning of connection and learning on Thursday, January 29 from 9–11 am at the Coachella Valley Library, bringing together residents, entrepreneurs, and business owners with organizations that support professional and economic growth. Attendees can explore exhibitor booths and take part in free breakout sessions covering internship pathways, workforce development, AI for business, and local support resources. More info
THU: Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees
The Plaza Theatre hosts Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees On Thursday, January 29 at 7:30 pm for a definitive tribute to the Gibb brothers’ legendary sound. Audiences will be swept into a full playlist of disco anthems and tender ballads, enhanced by dazzling visuals and big‑screen moments. Get tickets
FRI: Don McLean
On Friday, January 30 at 8 pm, The Plaza Theatre welcomes Don McLean, the iconic singer‑songwriter whose timeless classic “American Pie” remains a touchstone of American music. With more than five decades of storytelling behind him, McLean brings heartfelt lyrics, warm vocals, and a legacy of folk‑rock artistry to an intimate evening that celebrates a career still resonating across generations. Get tickets
FRI: Collective Soul
Collective Soul storms into The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage on Friday, January 30 at 8 pm, delivering the southern‑rooted rock sound that has defined their three‑decade career. Fans can expect a powerful set packed with classics like “Shine,” “December,” and “The World I Know,” along with newer favorites that showcase the band’s evolving edge. Get tickets
FRI–SUN: Camp Morning Wood
Camp Morning Wood makes its west coast premiere, presented by the new PRISM Theater at The 4707 for a run that continues through Sunday, March 22. Fresh from its Off‑Broadway success, this bold and irreverent musical follows a newly engaged couple who unexpectedly land at a gay nudist camp, setting the stage for cheeky comedy, lively songs and outrageous choreography. Get tickets
FRI–SUN: Dispersion of Light
Desert Ensemble Theatre unveils the world premiere of Dispersion of Light at the Palm Springs Cultural Center from January 23–February 1. Written by Rich Rubin and directed by Jerome Elliott Moskowitz, this new work offers a vivid, emotionally charged portrait of Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz, capturing the artistic fire, tension, and creative force that defined their legendary partnership. It’s an evocative, visually rich theatrical experience from the playwright behind Kafka’s Joke. Get tickets
