Hundreds gathered in Liverpool last night (12 January) to honor the memory of The Vivienne, the celebrated winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The emotional vigil took place at the city's iconic St George’s Hall, which was beautifully illuminated in green, a nod to The Vivienne’s acclaimed role as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, tragically passed away on 5 January at the age of 32. A beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community, The Vivienne shot to fame after winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, and later competing in All Stars 7 in 2022. In recent years, they became a household name through appearances on television shows like Dancing On Ice and Celebrity Hunted, and had embarked on a promising stage career.
The Liverpool vigil brought together fans, friends, and family, who listened as Bobby Musker, a close friend of The Vivienne, read a heartfelt statement from the star's family. "As a family, we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne," the statement began, expressing deep gratitude for the support and affection shown by the public.
The statement continued, "From an early age, it was evident that James was destined for the stage... He was determined to pave his own way in this world. The road was not easy, but the dream never, ever changed, and James would always tell us that they would make it happen—and they did." The family expressed how "unbelievably proud" they were of what The Vivienne achieved.
A Night of Music and Memories
The vigil was organized by Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, for which The Vivienne had been an ambassador. The event featured a moving performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a song that resonated deeply with those in attendance.
Queer pop band Joey & the Hot Tub Boys performed renditions of "Heart of Stone" by Cher and "Heroes" by David Bowie, adding to the poignant atmosphere. Attendees released green balloons into the sky while “For Good” from Wicked played, symbolizing the lasting impact The Vivienne had on everyone’s lives.
Among those paying tribute was Danny Beard, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season four, who hailed The Vivienne as a "shining beacon of light for the LGBT community," praising them for "teaching us it was OK to live out loud."
The vigil was a testament to The Vivienne's influence and the love they inspired. Liam Fox, who co-starred with The Vivienne in a recent production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, described the gathering as "so beautiful," emphasizing how deeply loved The Vivienne was by all who knew them.
RuPaul, host of Drag Race, also paid homage to The Vivienne at the opening of DragCon UK, dedicating the event to the beloved star. Meanwhile, the ITV show Dancing On Ice aired a tribute to The Vivienne, recognizing them as the first drag competitor to reach the finals in 2023.
The outpouring of love at the vigil and beyond highlights The Vivienne’s enduring legacy. They were more than a performer; they were a trailblazer who broke boundaries and brought light and joy wherever they went. The Liverpool community, along with family and friends, celebrated The Vivienne’s life, honoring the true icon they were.
Share your thoughts on The Vivienne's legacy in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation respectful and continue to celebrate the remarkable impact they had on our world.
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