Vigil being held in memory of The Vivienne after star found dead
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Tributes were left outside Superstar Boudoir for The Vivienne
A vigil is set to be held in Liverpool in memory of drag icon The Vivienne, whose death at the age of 32 shocked both the city and the broader LGBTQ+ community. The news of the star’s passing was confirmed over the weekend by their publicist, Simon Jones, who took to Instagram to pay a heartfelt tribute to The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams. In his post, Simon remembered The Vivienne not only as a client but as a cherished friend, highlighting the warmth and kindness James brought into the lives of those around them. “James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person,” Simon wrote. “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 city of Liverpool, where The Vivienne’s career began, will gather to pay its respects at a vigil organized in partnership with Sahir House, the city’s historic LGBTQ+ charity. The Vivienne had been a proud ambassador for the charity, using their platform to raise awareness and support its mission. John Hyland, Sahir’s community partnerships lead and a close friend of The Vivienne, shared his thoughts with the ECHO, expressing his gratitude for the strong sense of community that Liverpool is known for, especially during difficult times. “Liverpool is synonymous for its ability to come together in difficult times and support one another,” he said. “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.”
The vigil will take place on Sunday, January 12, at 6 p.m. outside St George’s Plateau, and is expected to attract a large crowd. The Vivienne’s family, as well as many from the city’s Pride Quarter venues, will be in attendance. The event will include speeches and performances to honor the star’s legacy. Sahir House has been deeply impacted by the loss, with Hyland emphasizing the magnitude of James’ influence on both the charity and the LGBTQ+ community at large. “We want to take a moment to honor and remember The Vivienne, a remarkable talent and a beloved figure whose light touched countless lives,” Hyland said. “Our thoughts are firmly with his family, friends, and everyone who loved him.”
James rose to national fame as the winner of the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, a victory that catapulted The Vivienne into the spotlight. Known for their sharp wit, charismatic personality, and extraordinary talent, they quickly became a household name and a proud ambassador for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether performing on stage, making TV appearances, or gracing red carpets, The Vivienne had an unmatched ability to captivate audiences, spreading joy and empowering others through their work.
At Sahir House, The Vivienne was not just a supporter but a true friend. They repeatedly named the charity as their chosen cause during high-profile appearances, including on Celebrity Mastermind, and used their platform to spotlight the importance of Sahir’s work. Hyland praised James for going above and beyond in supporting the organization, stating, “James repeatedly named Sahir as his chosen charity during his high-profile TV appearances… He used his platform to shine a light on the importance of our work, helping us reach audiences we could never have imagined.”
The vigil on January 12 will serve as an opportunity for the city to celebrate James Lee Williams’ life and honor the incredible contributions they made to both Liverpool and the wider LGBTQ+ community. As fans, friends, and loved ones gather to grieve and remember The Vivienne, they will also reflect on the profound legacy the performer leaves behind.
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