Camp, Chaos & Democracy: Peaches Christ on Making Queer Art When Politics Gets Ugly
In-person TicketsOnline-only Tickets
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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.
This program has 2 ticket types: in-person and online-only.
If you have symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, etc.), we ask that you either stay home or wear a mask. Our front desk has complimentary masks for members and guests who would like one.
Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is a nonprofit public forum; we welcome donations made during registration to support the production of our programming.
See more Michelle Meow Show programs at Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California.
Photos courtesy the speakers.
Commonwealth Club World Affairs is a public forum. Any views expressed in our programs are those of the speakers and not of Commonwealth Club World Affairs.
All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable.
The Commonwealth Club of California
110 The Embarcadero
Taube Family Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States
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)
COST
Members receive 30–50 percent discounts (not a member? Join)
In-person:
$50 VIP (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)
$25 general admission
Online:
Free
