GOLD COAST — The passing of legendary avant-garde filmmaker David Lynch in January at the age of 78 resonated deeply with fans of his cult-classic work across the country, including in Chicago.
Logan Square resident Saira Chambers felt particularly inspired, as Lynch’s death coincided with her fascination for his seminal TV series “Twin Peaks,” which premiered 35 years ago this month.
Chambers had been observing discussions with friends about starting a group rewatch of the series.
However, following President Donald Trump’s second inauguration and a wave of anti-trans executive orders, she sought to take action beyond a simple chat group.
“I asked myself what can I possibly do to seize this moment, but also to really make something unique for people who are feeling lost at all angles, whether that’s the trans community or folks who have just lost this person who was such an icon to them.
He was an icon to me,” Chambers told Block Club Chicago.
Thus, the event “Twin Peaks Wrapt: Fix Your Hearts” was born, which will honor Lynch’s legacy on Friday at the International Museum of Surgical Science, located at 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive.
Proceeds from the event will go toward the Transgender Law Center, an Oakland-based nonprofit that advocates for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals.
“Absolutely no one is making any money off of this event,” Chambers stated.
“Everyone’s donated their time, their money, their everything.”
The soirée promises an immersive “Twin Peaks” experience with a Lynch-inspired performance by drag artist Lucy Stoole, music from DJ Dale Cooper, and a pop-up from Damn Fine Coffee Bar.
Additionally, there will be first-come, first-served “Twin Peaks”-themed flash tattoos by artists David Allen and Ryan Flaherty.
Bang Bang Pie has generously donated cherry pie for the attendees, who can enjoy themed cocktails crafted by Israel Fernandez III (@drink312).
Swagmatic has also designed custom enamel pins available for donations to the Transgender Law Center.
The event’s name references memorable dialogue from 2017’s “Twin Peaks: The Return,” in which Lynch, as FBI Deputy Director Gorden Cole, tells his trans colleague Denise Bryson (played by David Duchovny), “When you became Denise, I told all of your colleagues, those clown comics, to fix their hearts or die.”
This line has struck a chord with many queer and trans fans of the series, among them Buena Park filmmaker Rob Christopher.
He recalls his first exposure to “Twin Peaks” as a transformative moment during his childhood, describing himself as a “sort of introverted, confused eighth-grader living in the totally secluded, sheltered suburbs.”
“It was like the universe broke open once I saw the pilot episode of ‘Twin Peaks’ on TV,” Christopher shared with Block Club.
“I have never let go of how exciting and scary and wonderful that feeling was.”
Lynch’s work has significantly influenced Christopher’s own filmography, particularly his latest short film “My Last Martini,” screening at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., on Thursday as part of the theater’s David Lynch: Moving Through Time film series.
The film features “Twin Peaks” actress Wendy Robie and is based on a short story by Barry Gifford, a frequent collaborator of Lynch.
Christopher attributes Lynch’s extensive queer and trans fan base to the essential themes he explores throughout his body of work, which oscillate between lightness and darkness, connecting deeply with marginalized audiences.
“One of the core themes of [David Lynch’s] work is fear and evil, but he always matched that with love and light and hope,” Christopher explained.
“I can’t think of a more apt way to artistically engage with what it means to be an outsider, what it means to be trans, what it means to be somebody who doesn’t conform or fit in the norm than what David Lynch did in his work.”
In the wake of Lynch’s death in January, a variety of tribute events have emerged across Chicago at venues such as the Whistler, the California Clipper, and the Annoyance Theatre.
One recent highlight included “David & David,” an ‘80s sitcom-style sketch comedy show reimagining Lynch and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne as roommates.
Furthermore, the Music Box Theatre’s Lynch series has experienced overwhelming popularity since its launch on April 11, with even weekday matinees attracting hundreds of ticket buyers.
Several upcoming screenings, including those of “Mulholland Drive,” are completely sold out.
“One of the beautiful things about Chicago is we have a critical mass of cinephiles,” Christopher observed.
“When David Lynch takes over the Music Box, it’s a beautiful way for longtime cinephiles to revisit them and for people who are new to the work to experience it socially, which I think is really the best way to watch a David Lynch film.”
The “Twin Peaks Wrapt: Fix Your Hearts” event will take place from 7-11 p.m. Friday at the International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Tickets cost $50 in advance and $75 at the door; the event is for attendees ages 21 and over.
Additionally, the David Lynch: Moving Through Time series continues at the Music Box Theatre through Sunday, with tickets priced at $14 (or $12 for Music Box members).
Visit the Music Box website for movie times.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/17/chicago-pays-tribute-to-david-lynchs-legacy-with-fix-your-hearts-party-and-film-fest/
