RuPaul opened DragCon UK with a heartfelt tribute to the beloved James Lee Williams, famously known as The Vivienne. The drag community was shaken with the news of The Vivienne’s untimely passing, announced on Sunday, 5 January. The legendary drag performer and musical theatre star was only 32 years old at the time of her death. Police have confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her passing.
DragCon UK, an annual celebration of drag culture held at ExCeL London, took place on the weekend of 10 and 11 January. As the event commenced, RuPaul, the iconic host of Drag Race, took a moment to honor The Vivienne, the first winner of the UK edition of the show. His tribute was filled with emotions, focusing on the love and joy that The Vivienne embodied throughout her life.
A Message of Love and Celebration
RuPaul addressed the attendees with these touching words: "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." He encouraged everyone to live life fully, enjoy freedom, and spread joy, reflecting The Vivienne’s vibrant spirit.
At the same time, a video surfaced on social media, capturing RuPaul on the Pink Carpet of DragCon UK, expressing his sorrow and admiration for The Vivienne. The video quickly gained traction, resonating with fans and attendees alike.
Space for Reflection and Support
In a compassionate move, the organizers of DragCon UK set up a memorial space for attendees to pay their respects to The Vivienne. They acknowledged the diverse ways in which people process grief, urging kindness and understanding towards those who might find it challenging to discuss the loss.
"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," they wrote on Instagram. The memorial booth on the pink carpet offered a place for people to share their condolences, celebrate The Vivienne’s life, and find comfort in community.
Volunteers from the Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline were on hand throughout the event, providing support to anyone who needed someone to talk to. Their presence underscored the importance of community and support during times of mourning.
A Legacy Remembered
RuPaul’s on-site tribute followed an earlier post on Instagram, where he shared his deep sorrow over The Vivienne’s death. "With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne," he expressed. He praised The Vivienne as "an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being."
Numerous stars joined RuPaul in honoring The Vivienne, including Michelle Visage, Maya Jama, Rylan, Russell T Davies, and Jinkx Monsoon. The outpouring of tributes highlighted the widespread impact The Vivienne had on the drag community and beyond. Additionally, ITV’s Dancing On Ice, a show The Vivienne competed in during 2023, planned to dedicate a segment to her in their upcoming broadcast.
The loss of The Vivienne has been deeply felt across the drag and LGBTQ+ communities. Her legacy of joy, artistry, and authenticity will continue to inspire many. As DragCon UK carried on, the celebration of her life and the community she helped shape was evident.
We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. Please remember to keep the conversation respectful, honoring The Vivienne’s memory with the love and kindness she exemplified.
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