RuPaul’s DragCon UK is set to include a special tribute for fans to honor The Vivienne during its event this weekend, following her recent passing. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit a "memorial booth space" to pay their respects to the beloved drag performer, who passed away on Sunday, January 5.
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was found deceased at her residence near Chester at the age of 32. Authorities have confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
As the inaugural winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne's absence at DragCon UK will be keenly felt by both fans and fellow performers. Many have already taken to social media to share personal memories and tributes to the late star, expressing the impact she had on their lives and the drag community as a whole.
Memorial Booth for Fans
The event, which takes place at Excel London on Friday and Saturday, January 10 and 11, will feature a dedicated space where fans can express their condolences. Organizers have urged attendees to approach interactions with sensitivity, acknowledging that many of the queens present may not yet be ready to discuss The Vivienne’s passing.
In a statement released via Instagram, the organizers emphasized the importance of respecting individual experiences of grief. "As we all navigate this weekend together," they wrote, "we know that many of us will want to celebrate The Vivienne by sharing our condolences with those who knew her personally."
They urged attendees to be mindful of the differing ways people may process loss. "Please remember that everyone experiences grief in their own way, and some individuals may not feel ready to talk about such a significant loss."
The memorial booth will be situated on the Pink Carpet, offering a space for all attendees to pay homage to The Vivienne. Visitors can share condolences, speak about her legacy, and find solace among fellow fans if they feel prepared to do so.
Support for Those in Grief
In addition to the memorial booth, the event will provide support for those who need someone to talk to. Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline, an organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, will be on hand to assist anyone feeling overwhelmed by grief or needing emotional support.
"We are looking forward to coming together as a community this weekend and filling the room with love," the statement concluded, underscoring the event's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all attendees.
The Vivienne was celebrated as one of the UK’s most prominent figures in queer entertainment. Her contributions to the drag scene and her charismatic presence on television have left a lasting impact.
RuPaul’s DragCon UK is renowned as the largest annual gathering of drag enthusiasts in the UK, attracting tens of thousands of fans each year. Last year’s event saw participation from approximately 200 queens from various seasons and regions of the Drag Race franchise.
Community Reactions and Further Tributes
The decision to host a memorial booth has been met with widespread approval. Notable figures from the drag community, such as Drag Race UK season four winner Danny Beard, have expressed gratitude towards the organizers. "Lovely. Thanks for doing this, guys," Beard commented.
However, some fans have called for sensitivity from attendees, reminding them not to "trauma dump" on queens during the event. "I am BEGGINGGGGGG y’all not to trauma dump on these queens this weekend," one fan wrote on social media, emphasizing the need for respectful interactions.
Beyond DragCon, a vigil is planned in The Vivienne’s home city of Liverpool. Organized by Sahir House, one of her favored LGBTQ+ charities, the vigil will take place on Sunday, January 12.
"In collaboration with James’ family and close friends, please join Sahir and the LGBTQ+ community of Liverpool for a vigil in memory of James & The Vivienne," the charity announced. The vigil is scheduled for 6 pm, with the precise location to be confirmed.
The weekend will also see the return of ITV’s Dancing On Ice, where The Vivienne made history as the first drag performer to participate. The show is expected to feature a tribute to her, acknowledging her impressive third-place finish in 2023.
The legacy of The Vivienne as a trailblazer in the world of drag and a cherished member of the LGBTQ+ community will undoubtedly be celebrated throughout these events, reflecting the profound impact she had on many lives.
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