“RuPaul's DragCon UK 2025” celebrates the life of Vivienne

Since the celebration begins already in the fifth year “RuPaul's DragCon UK” organizers and participants are doing their best to ensure attendance this weekend Vivienne is felt throughout.

Taking place just five days after the beloved drag performer sudden transition At 32, hearts were heavy for the start of the event in the early afternoon on Friday. As seen on social media, tributes to The Vivienne (born James Lee Williams) have been abundant, while charting her impact on the world of drag and LGBTQ+ media.

From the start of RuPaul's DragCon UK 2025, it was clear that The Vivienne was still on everyone's mind.

RuPaul stood alongside host and friend Michelle Visage and make-up artist RuPaul's Drag Race alum Raven during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which “opens” full access to the ExCel London Convention Center to fans. words of hope and meaning to the general crowd.

“I want us to focus on love and remember our dear The Vivienne,” she said to loud cheers, “because that was his goal.”

After reminding the crowd to “live your life and be free,” Ru followed up with a sassy comment that her wolf daughter would have heartily agreed with.

“Have fun,” she said, “and spread it around!”

Later in the afternoon, RuPaul's DragCon UK will continue in a somber but festive mood, featuring the survivors of RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 1.

Standing in formation on the stage before The Vivienne photo ahead of Queens' Walk, a moment of silence touched the words of the organizer of the event.

With his close friend Bagu Chipz at the head, the organizer led the crowd.

“We want to take this moment to thank you for everything you've given us,” she shared, adding, “May this weekend be a celebration of (Vivien's) love, life and dedication to the art of drag. We love you!”

As the remix of “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” filled the hall, the members walked and jumped on the pink carpet, showcasing their charisma, uniqueness, edginess and talent to the crowd.

With this year's event scheduled a few months before Vivienne's departure, there was a tacit understanding of the emotional mindset of RuPaul's DragCon UK 2025 attendees.

In a note posted on the official “RuPaul's DragCon” X/Twitter profile, event organizers and World of Wonder, the production company behind the Drag Race franchise, asked fans to respect those in attendance while kindly reminding them how they know. Vivienne and how those who worked with her knew the performer.

“As we go through this weekend together, we know many of us will want to celebrate Vivienne by sharing our condolences with those close to her,” it said.

“Please keep in mind,” it continues, “that we all process and experience grief differently, and some people may not be ready to talk about the loss of someone close to them yet.”

The post is followed by a mention of a memorial at the convention for those who have conveniently expressed their condolences for The Vivienne, and grief counselors from Switchboard's LGBTQ+ helpline are on hand when needed.

“We can't wait to see everyone this weekend and fill the room with love.”

As the drag community and its fans continue to come to terms with the sudden loss of The Vivienne, tributes continue to pour in from former “Drag Race” contestants and other loved ones.

Bimini Bon Boulash, standout from the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, took to X this week to celebrate Vivienne as a “unique talent, sharp tongue and kind soul”.

“Tell the people you love how special they are,” Bimini continued, adding, “Loss is one of the cruelest parts of the human experience. Rest in peace.”

Publicist Simon Jones, whose clients have included The Vivienne and Bimini Bon Boulash, will continue to write extensive work Metro Great Britain after initially notifying fans of the artist's death in a separate statement.

“What I remember most were the amazing private moments we shared where Viv made me laugh uncontrollably,” Jones recalled. “Sometimes we would go out for lunch or dinner just to chat and catch up. That was Viv's magic. They could enter a room and it would light up with a presence that everyone felt.

One of the most emotional announcements was undoubtedly from Baga Chipz, who competed against The Vivienne for the first time on 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK'.

In a carousel of pictures shared on Instagram, the Series 1 runner-up called her fallen sister her family and best friend.

“You'll always be Velma to my Louise and I'll always talk to you before I go on stage at every show,” Baggs wrote, “because let's just say you were a bloody force when you hit that stage. Always with me when I needed you. My beautiful boy. My James. Our Viv. “

While RuPaul lovingly hosted the inaugural RuPaul's DragCon 2025 this year, she thought it took some tough love for a former contestant to shame Vivienne hours after her death.

As reported An explosionJames Ross, who starred as Tyra Sanchez on the second season of “RuPaul's Drag Race” in 2010, appeared on X on Sunday to “dunk” on The Vivienne's five-year-old comment.

“But Tyra was pissed when she realized Netflix had spoiled the winner,” the late performer wrote, referring to the app releasing episodes ahead of their original airing schedule.

For his part, Ross reposted the old comment and replied: “It doesn't compare to crematorium smoke though.”

After other RuPaul's Drag Race alumni and fans criticized her for her sass, Mama Ru posted a clip of her “slapping” Ross from an acting challenge during Season 2, and the audio was replaced with the infamous “Sharkeisha” viral video .