Camp, Chaos & Democracy: Peaches Christ—Making Queer Art in Ugly Politics

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025—Election Night—as California votes on Proposition 50 and the nation watches election returns, celebrate queer art, resistance and joy with drag horror icon Peaches Christ in a bold evening that merges cultural preservation with political engagement.

For more than 25 years, Peaches Christ (Joshua Grannell) has been a cornerstone of San Francisco's LGBTQ+ arts scene—creating the legendary “Midnight Mass” movie series, directing cult horror films, and co-creating the immersive “Terror Vault” experience. Now, she brings her unique perspective on how drag, camp, and horror have always been acts of political resistance to the Commonwealth Club World Affairs’ stage.

When the real world gets scarier than horror movies—when politics gets truly ghoulish—that's when we most need to make art, perform, and remind each other why joy is resistance.

This special evening features:

• A thought-provoking panel: "When the Real World Gets Scarier Than Horror Movies," with Tom Temprano (EQCA), and Kochina Rude discussing survival strategies when the political landscape turns hostile. The panel will be moderated by co-host Celso Dulay.
• An intimate fireside chat with Peaches Christ, moderated by award-winning broadcaster Michelle Meow, exploring 25 years of San Francisco drag history, cultural preservation, and the power of queer art in dark times
• A rooftop after-party overlooking San Francisco Bay, providing space for community gathering as election results come in

VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive pre-party access to meet and mingle with Peaches Christ and other panelists, complimentary wine and food (generously donated by event sponsors), and premium seating for the program. VIP tickets available on the Club's website.

SPEAKERS

Peaches Christ, Drag Queen; Filmmaker; Actor

Kochina Rude, Drag Queen; Harm Reduction Advocate

Tom Temprano, Managing Director, Equality California

Co-host: Michelle Meow, Producer and Host, "The Michelle Meow Show," KPIX+; Member, Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California Board of Governors

Co-host: Celso Dulay II, Media Entrepreneur; Community Organizer; Co-founder, Glitter Worthy Store; Co-founder, MOUSA.I.

4–5:15 p.m.: VIP reception with Peaches Christ
5:15–6 p.m.: General admission doors open, drinks + networking
6:05–6:50 p.m.: "When the Real World Gets Scarier Than Horror Movies" panel discussion
7:05–7:55 p.m.: featured fireside chat with Peaches Christ & audience Q&A
8–9 p.m.: Rooftop after-party overlooking the Bay Bridge and San Francisco Bay
(all times Pacific Time)

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