It’s been two years since UK drag queen Heklina was found dead. Now, friends and fans of the late performer are demanding answers from the London Metropolitan Police.
Protests regarding the handling of Heklina’s case took place on March 31 in London and in San Francisco, with demonstrators accusing Met Police of homophobia in the investigation into her death.
Those who participated held signs reading, “We Deserve Justice, Not Discrimination,” “Queer Safety Over Police Power,” “End Met Police Homophobia Now!” and blown-up photos of Heklina walked along the Thames River Embankment and gathered outside of New Scotland Yard.
Drag Race UK legends Crystal and Cheddar Gorgeous were in attendance, calling for justice in Heklina’s case.
"It seems very clear that homophobic bias has influenced the investigation in this case," Crystal told the BBC.
"It paints a very clear picture that if you're a queer person, especially if you're gender non-conforming, and you die unexplained, then the police don't care.
"It seems to be only through the threat of public action that anything's been getting done with this case."
According to protestors, there are still no answers about the 55-year-old’s cause of death.
The Met is also accused of keeping information from the family and for taking until January of this year to release the CCTV footage that showed three men leaving the flat where Heklina was found dead.
The Met's Det Ch Supt Christina Jessah told the BBC, "We continue to examine all lines of inquiry in relation to Steven's death and remain steadfast in our determination to establish the facts."
Peaches Christ, close friend and the person who discovered Heklina’s body, spoke out at the rally.
“We feel your sisterly love here in London and we super appreciate it,” Peaches Christ told the crowd in London, per the San Francisco Chronicle.
“This sunshine, this weather today, I feel Heklina is with us… and she will be in San Francisco later today.”
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