 |
| Heklina and Peaches, the perfect pair. Photo by Rink. |
Two fabulous actors, producers, entrepreneurs, and comedians were honored being sainted by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. at last week’s Trannyshack. I got the chance to interview Heklina and Peaches Christ after their sainting.
(Bay Times) What were your emotions when you became sainted by the SF Sisters?
(Heklina) My emotions? Well, I have no emotions really, as you well know, Sister Dana. However, if I were capable of feeling, I would say that I was very honored.
(Peaches) I am just really flattered and think it’s a complete thrill. Midnight Mass and I were recognized by the City of San Francisco and then the State of California last weekend in honor of our 10th anniversary, which is absolutely fantastic and kinda bizarre; but to be sainted by the Sisters is really the most meaningful honor, because it’s from within our own community and comes from a group I so admire and respect. I still can’t believe it - I’m a Saint! It’s extra special.
Did you know in advance, or was it a total surprise?
H: We had no clue whatsoever in advance, so it was a total surprise. Unlike the night when Juanita More was sainted at Trannyshack; she was given advance notice, so the moment she was sainted, a huge parade of Moreboys came traipsing across the dance floor carrying signs that said “Saint Juanita”!
P: It was a total surprise. Either the Sisters did a really good job of keeping it a secret or I’m a clueless dingbat, because when it started happening, I was completely confused. When I figured out we were being sainted, I looked at Heckles, and she said it was a surprise to her too.
Do you think there’s room in heaven for TWO MORE DRAG QUEEN SAINTS??
H: There better be, cuz that’s where the real party is, and I can’t wait to join fellow drag queen saints Sylvester, Divine, Charles Pierce, and Tammy Faye up there.
P: No, not really. Heklina can go to hell! Kidding, sorta.
What are your saint names? Why do you think those names were chosen? How appropriate are those names?
H: Sister Tilly Cums Again dubbed me “St. Heck I’ll Eat It”, for obvious reasons. Can’t figure it out? Come on, you know how much I like to rim! Let’s just say the name is very appropriate, OK?
P: Mine is “St. Fierce Femme Fatal,” which I fully adore because it references so much, including my own ferocity and love of movies and horror. That’s a lot of meaning to squeeze into one name. I also think it sounds very regal and dangerous. I love it!
Which is your favorite Sister? (keeping in mind the Nun that gives you the most publicity. Heeheehee.)
H: You’re right, I have to keep in mind the Sister who gives me the most press, of course. In that case, I’d have to say my favorite is Sister Roma!
Bitch! And you, Peaches?
P: OK, well, uhhh, YOU of course! But after you, Dana, I’d have to say it’s a tie between Sister Bella de Ball and Sister Roma. I really love Sister Bella and think she truly is one of the sweetest, best people I know - the life of the party! And Sister Roma is legend. When I moved to SF, I was so in awe of her and her style and have often “borrowed” some of her eye makeup ideas and looks. Also, she’s really fucking hilarious.
You two team up a lot. When did you first meet one another?
H: I first met Peaches when she would fawn over me years ago at Trannyshack, much like all my other fans do. Goodness, it was so weird how she would just idolize me and seek my approval! Over the years she was able to come to terms with my fame, and I’m happy to say we’ve become great friends.
P: I moved to SF in the spring of ‘96 and was of course immediately drawn to Trannyshack. It’s the most amazing place for a re-located drag freak and SF newbie. All of the great queer performers and artists are there. It’s where I met most of my friends - there and the Bridge Theatre. I think I just introduced myself to Heklina one night and started performing soon after. We’ve been friends eleven years now.
Which is your favorite duo drag number you did together?
H: I did a hilarious “Three’s Company” piece with Peaches to the tune of Brandy & Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine”. I was Chrissy, she was Janet, and Pippi Lovestocking played Jack Tripper.
P: Hmmm, I would have to say (and I’m not just conveniently plugging our upcoming show, I really mean this!) it’s our “Trannie Dearest” pre-show at Midnight Mass. It’s more of a fully realized play than a “drag number.” It’s our completely ill version of Mommie Dearest, where Peaches adopts a drag daughter- Hektina. Get it? HekTINA!
You are both celebrating your tenth anniversary. Did you ever think that would happen?
H: Well, actually Sister Dana, I celebrated my ELEVENTH anniversary this past February. Where have you been? All kidding aside, I have nothing but the most tremendous respect for Peaches, and am very proud of her. Only the smartest, most dedicated, and hardest working queens rise to the top of their game - and she is all of those things.
Oh my, that’ll teach me to accept free cocktails at the Stud. Of course, you’re eleven. Silly me.
P: When we started doing Midnight Mass ten years ago we never imagined it would last this long. I guess in some ways I think that the success of things like Trannyshack and Midnight Mass have to do with the fact that we were doing it “in the moment” and not planning for the future - just sorta making it up as we went along, and it just eventually became what it is, naturally.
Say something catty about each other ... all in loving jest, of course.
H: Catty about Peaches? How could I? Like I said, she’s celebrating 10 years of Midnight Mass, and I’m thrilled for her. I’m especially happy to see that it only took her nine of those years to learn how to blend her makeup!
P: Heklina has ass breath! Wait - is it catty if it’s true? Like in the literal sense?
Are drag queens ever literal? So, anything you’d like to add?
H: Thanks San Francisco, and thank you to all the Sisters for sainting me, and I’ll see you next Tuesday at Trannyshack!
P: Come see us in “Trannie Dearest” at Midnight Mass on August 10th and 11th!
Tickets are now on sale at peacheschrist.com. Stay fierce!!!
