‘RuPaul’s DragCon UK 2025’ celebrates Vivienne’s life

As the celebrations begin on the fifth anniversary.”“RuPaul’s DragCon UK” This weekend, promoters and participants are doing everything they can to ensure a presence Vivian Feel all over.

It takes place just five days after the beloved artist performs Sudden passage At 32 years old, hearts were heavy as the event kicked off early Friday afternoon. As seen on social media, tributes to The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, have been abundant while marking her impact on the drag world and LGBTQ+ media.

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

During the ribbon cutting for the ceremony, which “opens” the convention to fans for full access to the ExCel London Convention Center, RuPaul stood alongside co-host and friend Michelle Visage, and makeup artist “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Raven, and offered words of hope and meaning to the crowd at large.

“I want us to focus on love and remember our dear Vivian,” she said to loud cheers of approval, “because that’s all she did.”

After reminding the audience to “live their lives and be free,” Ru followed up with a cheeky comment that her daughter would have wholeheartedly approved of.

She said: “Have a lot of fun, spread it everywhere!”

Later in the afternoon, “RuPaul’s DragCon UK” will continue with a somber but celebratory tone, with a moment featuring the surviving cast members of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,” Series 1.

While standing on stage in front of a picture of The Vivienne Hotel before the Queen’s march, a moment of silence gave way to poignant words from the event organizer.

With his best friend Bagga Chipz at the front, the organizer led the crowd.

“We want to take this moment to thank you for everything you have done for us,” she said, adding: “Let this weekend be a celebration of (Vivian’s) love, life and dedication to the art of drag.” we love you!

As a remix of “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” filled the hall, the performers walked and jumped on the pink carpet, displaying their charisma, individuality, nerve and talent, to the crowd of onlookers.

With this year’s event scheduled months before The Vivienne’s death, there was a silent understanding of the emotional mindset of those attending RuPaul’s DragCon UK 2025.

In a note posted to the official “RuPaul’s DragCon” X/Twitter profile, event promoters and World of Wonder, the production company behind the Drag Race franchise, asked fans to respect attendees while reminding them how they know them. Vivian, and how those who worked with her knew the artist.

“As we spend the weekend together, we know many of us will want to celebrate The Vivienne by sharing condolences with those closest to her,” the message read.

He continues: “Please be aware that we all deal with and experience grief differently, and some people may not yet be ready to talk about losing someone close to them.”

The post follows by noting a designated memorial space at the conference for those expressing condolences about The Vivienne, and grief counselors from the Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline attending if 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 cope with the sudden loss of The Vivienne, the waves of tributes continue from former “Drag Race” contestants and other loved ones.

Bimini Bon Boulash, a standout from the second series of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,” took to X this week to refer to The Vivienne as a “unique talent, a sharp tongue and a 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 go on to write an extended feature for UK Metro After initially informing fans of the artist’s death in a separate statement.

“What I will remember fondly are the amazing private moments we shared where Viv made me laugh uncontrollably,” Jones recalls. “Sometimes we would go to lunch or dinner just to gossip and chat. That was the magic of Viv. They could walk into a room and it would light up with a presence that everyone would feel.

Undoubtedly one of the most emotional statements came from Baga Chipz, who competed with The Vivienne in the first ever ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ competition.

In a set of photos shared on Instagram, the series one runner-up referred to her fallen sister as family and best friend.

“You will always be a Velma to Louise, and I will always talk to you before I get on stage at every show I do, because let’s face it, you were a bloody force when I got to that stage. Always there for me when I needed you,” Baggs wrote. “My beautiful boy, James, is our life.”

While RuPaul lovingly led the opening of “RuPaul’s DragCon 2025” this year, she felt tough love was necessary for how a former contestant subdued The Vivienne hours after her death.

As stated in ExplosionJames Ross, who competed on Season 2 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” as Tyra Sanchez in 2010, took to X on Sunday to “dive” into a five-year comment made by The Vivienne.

“Bette Tyra was furious when she realized Netflix spoiled the winner,” the late actress wrote, speaking about the app releasing episodes ahead of the original broadcast schedule.

Ross, in turn, reposted the old comment and replied: “However, it is nothing compared to the fumes of a crematorium.”

After being criticized for her boldness by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni and fans, Mama Ru posted a clip of herself “slapping” Ross during an acting challenge during Season 2 with the audio replaced by the famous “Sharkeisha” video.