Honoring The Vivienne: RuPaul’s DragCon UK Plans Memorial Space for Fans
RuPaul’s DragCon UK is setting up a special memorial booth this weekend to honor The Vivienne, a beloved drag queen who tragically passed away on Sunday, January 5th. Fans attending the event will have a designated place to pay their respects and celebrate the life of this iconic performer.
The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, was confirmed to have passed away near Chester at the age of 32. Authorities have stated that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. As the first-ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, her absence will be deeply felt during the DragCon UK event, which takes place at Excel London on Friday and Saturday, January 10th and 11th.
Organizers of DragCon UK have expressed their condolences and announced plans for attendees to share their tributes. They have also urged visitors to be sensitive when meeting the queens, as many will still be grieving and might not be ready to discuss The Vivienne’s passing.
The organizers shared on social media, "As we all move through this weekend together, we know that many of us will want to celebrate The Vivienne by sharing condolences with those close to her. Please be mindful that we all process and experience grief differently, and some people might not be ready yet to talk about the loss of someone important to them."
The memorial booth will be located on the Pink Carpet, offering a space for all attendees to express their condolences, share memories, and engage in discussions about The Vivienne’s impact. Support from the LGBTQ+ community and organizations, such as the Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline, will be available for those in need.
RuPaul’s DragCon UK is known as the largest annual celebration of drag culture in the UK, drawing thousands of fans each year. Last year’s event featured around 200 queens from the Drag Race universe, and this year promises an even larger lineup, including contestants from the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The plan to host a memorial booth has been met with widespread approval from fans and fellow queens. Danny Beard, the winner of Drag Race UK season four, expressed gratitude, saying, "Lovely. Thanks for doing this guys."
However, some fans have taken to social media to remind attendees to be considerate and avoid overwhelming the queens with their own grief. A fan tweeted, "I am BEGGINGGGGGG y’all to not trauma dump on these queens this weekend at DragCon. It's totally okay to still be in mourning but we have no idea how those close to Viv are feeling, and it's not our place as fans to open those incredibly fresh wounds."
In addition to the memorial booth, a vigil will be held in The Vivienne’s hometown of Liverpool on Sunday, January 12th. Organized by Sahir House, a local LGBTQ+ charity, the vigil invites the community to gather in remembrance of both James and The Vivienne. The exact location will be confirmed closer to the date.
"In collaboration with James' family and close friends, please join Sahir and the LGBTQ+ community of Liverpool for a vigil in James' & The Vivienne's memory," Sahir House announced on social media. The vigil is expected to begin at 6 PM.
The Vivienne was not only a beloved drag queen but also a groundbreaking performer who made history by being the first drag artist to appear on ITV’s Dancing On Ice. She competed in 2023 and secured a third-place finish, captivating audiences with her remarkable performances.
It is anticipated that the upcoming episode of Dancing On Ice, premiering on Sunday, will include a tribute to The Vivienne, underscoring her influence and legacy in the entertainment world.
RuPaul’s DragCon UK continues to be a platform for celebrating drag culture and fostering community spirit. The memorial booth for The Vivienne is a testament to the love and respect she garnered across the drag community and beyond. As attendees gather to honor her memory, the event promises to be a poignant yet uplifting occasion filled with love, support, and solidarity.
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