At the grand opening of DragCon UK, RuPaul paid a touching tribute to The Vivienne, setting a heartfelt tone for the event. The renowned host of RuPaul's Drag Race began the festivities with a speech that warmly celebrated The Vivienne's life and contributions to the drag community.
DragCon UK, which commenced on January 10 at the ExCel London Convention Centre, is more than just an event; it's a celebration of drag culture. The expo showcases dazzling performances, offers fans the chance to meet their favorite queens, and presents unique merchandise and experiences that can't be found anywhere else.
Honoring The Vivienne
As the convention got underway, RuPaul took a moment to focus on love and remembrance. Addressing the attendees, RuPaul said, "We want to focus on love, and we are going to remember our dear The Vivienne with love, life, and happiness because that’s what she was all about."
RuPaul's words resonated deeply with the crowd, further emphasizing, "She would love for you to live your lives, to be free, to have a lot of fun and to spread it around." These sentiments captured the essence of The Vivienne's joyous spirit and her impact on those who knew her.
In addition to RuPaul's moving tribute, a memorial booth was set up at DragCon to honor The Vivienne. This space allowed fans and attendees to express their love and pay their respects, sharing memories and celebrating her life and career.
The event also featured a memorial video, showcasing The Vivienne’s memorable moments from her time on RuPaul's Drag Race and beyond, reminding everyone of her vibrant personality and the joy she brought to the drag scene.
A Shock to the Community
The announcement of The Vivienne's passing on January 5 came as a shock to many. Her publicist, Simon Jones, shared the heartbreaking news via Instagram. "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend," Jones wrote. "James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career."
The statement requested privacy for The Vivienne's family as they navigate this difficult time, a sentiment echoed by fans and fellow queens alike.
Tributes flooded social media from thousands of fans, celebrities, and former Drag Race stars such as Bianca Del Rio, Bimini, and Michelle Visage. Each celebrated The Vivienne’s legacy, highlighting her impact on both the drag community and the world beyond.
Celebrating A Trailblazer
The Vivienne first captured hearts as the winner of the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019. Her charm, wit, and undeniable talent made her a standout, earning her a place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Her success didn’t stop there; she went on to make history by appearing on the American series, competing in All Stars 7. RuPaul described her on Instagram as an "incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being," sentiments shared by fans and the drag community.
Beyond her Drag Race fame, The Vivienne made notable appearances on shows like Celebrity Juice, Celebrity Mastermind, Emmerdale, and Dancing on Ice, where she became the first drag queen to compete. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to her craft left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
As DragCon UK continues, attendees are encouraged to remember The Vivienne for her love of life, her passion for drag, and her contributions to the community. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched and the countless fans she inspired.
The celebration of The Vivienne at DragCon UK is not just a tribute, but also a reminder of the joy and love she brought to the world. As RuPaul aptly put it, she wanted everyone to "live your lives, to be free, to have a lot of fun and to spread it around." Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift the drag community for years to come.
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