A huge crowd is expected to gather to pay homage to the RuPaul’s Drag Race trailblazer
Tributes were left outside Superstar Boudoir for The Vivienne
Liverpool is set to pay its respects with a vigil in honour of drag icon The Vivienne. The city was shocked to hear of the death of the 32-year-old star, confirmed over the weekend by their publicist, Simon Jones.
In a touching Instagram post, Simon paid tribute to the TV personality, who kicked off their career on the city’s Stanley Street in the Pride Quarter, explaining how they weren’t just a client but a cherished friend. Simon said: “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.”
Sahir House, Liverpool’s historic LGBTQ+ charity and one that The Vivienne proudly supported as an ambassador, is collaborating with the celebrity’s family to organise the event. John Hyland, Sahir’s community partnerships lead and a close friend of The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, told the ECHO: “Liverpool is synonymous for its ability to come together in difficult times and support one another.
Sahir House’s John Hyland with James Lee Williams, known to many up and down the country as their drag persona, The Vivienne.(Image: John Hyland)
“We have been working closely with James’ family and close friends to create a space where Liverpool and our friends across the country can come together to grieve, celebrate James’ life and say goodbye. We ask that all who are able to join us continue to respect his family’s wishes and their privacy.”
The Vivienne’s last Instagram post was dedicated to Sahir House, in which they asked fans to give back to the charity to continue with their incredible work.
The 32-year-old’s final Liverpool appearance was also for the charity. In December, in Superstar Boudoir, the prodigy competed against other performers in a local version of Snatch Game, where they impersonated Donald Trump.
The Vigil
The vigil is happening on Sunday, January 12, at 6 pm. There will be a series of speakers as huge crowds are expected to gather outside St George’s Plateau for some time. As well as The Vivienne’s family expected to be in attendance, so is many from the city’s Pride Quarter venues.
Sahir said: “We want to take a moment to honour and remember The Vivienne, a remarkable talent and a beloved figure whose light touched countless lives. Like so many, we are still trying to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts are firmly with his family, friends, and everyone who loved him.
“James wasn’t just a performer; he was a force of nature. Rising to national fame after winning the first-ever season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne became a household name and a proud ambassador for the LGBTQ+ community.
“With razor-sharp wit, undeniable charisma, and extraordinary talent, he captivated audiences far and wide – whether performing on stage, appearing on TV, or walking the red carpet. His ability to make people laugh and feel empowered was truly unparalleled.”Here at Sahir, we had the immense privilege of having James as a supporter and a friend. He didn’t just lend his voice to our cause – he lent his heart. James repeatedly named Sahir as his chosen charity during his high-profile TV appearances, including Celebrity Mastermind. At every opportunity, he used his platform to shine a light on the importance of our work, helping us reach audiences we could never have imagined.”His generosity didn’t stop there. James was a regular at local events, bringing his signature blend of humour and heart to our community fundraisers. He performed at comedy roasts in local bars and recently took part in our Drag Race Snatch Game fundraiser – an unforgettable night made even more special by his presence.”