This amazing ‘Fix your hearts or die’ Twin Peaks badge is raising money for trans rights

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When Twin Peaks returned to TV this year, many fans eagerly awaited the return of Special Agent Denise Bryson.

Played by David Duchovny, the transgender character was a groundbreaking one back in the early 1990s.

DEA Agent Bryson was introduced in the original run of the show and while her representation wasn’t entirely unproblematic, it certainly challenged mainstream perceptions of the time, such as the sexuality of trans people.

When Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) admitted that he assumed Denise is no longer interested in women, she replied: “Coop, I may be wearing a dress – but I still put my panties on one leg at a time if you know what I mean!”

So it was especially interesting when Duchovny returned to play Denise – now FBI Chief of Staff – in a less comedic segment for Twin Peaks: The Return.

Fix Your Heart or Die (lilboatboutique)
Fix Your Hearts or Die (lilboatboutique)

In a scene between FBI Deputy Director Gordon Cole (David Lynch) and Denise, Cole acknowledges that Denise did not have the easiest time coming out at the Bureau.

“And when you became Denise I told all of your colleagues, those clown comics to fix their hearts or die,” he says in the powerful exchange.


And that line has been borrowed by Whitney of lilboatboutique on Etsy for a gorgeous pin badge which uses an appropriate Blue Rose.

“The phrase, ‘Fix your hearts or die’, comes from an episode of Twin Peaks: The Return in which Gordon Cole (David Lynch) recalls defending Denise Bryson (David Duchovny), a transgender woman and Chief of Staff of the FBI,” Whitney explains.

Fix Your Heart or Die (lilboatboutique)
Fix Your Heart or Die (lilboatboutique)

“20 per cent of the proceeds from each purchase will be donated to the National Center for Transgender Rights.

“I am in no way affiliated with nor do I represent the National Center for Transgender Equality, but I do stand behind their message and mission, and am happy to have a way to contribute to their cause.”

The badge is currently sold out, but could well return to sale.