January 7th 2025.
The passing of The Vivienne has left a deep and painful void in the hearts of those who knew her. She was a shining star, effortlessly funny, whip smart, and exuded a confidence that inspired awe in those around her. Her untimely death at the young age of 32 has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving us reeling with disbelief and sadness. But what makes it all the more heartbreaking is the fact that she spent her final days on the receiving end of hate and homophobia.
The Vivienne was at the top of her game, with a diverse portfolio of work in theatre, TV, comedy, and music. However, after her appearance on a special Boxing Day episode of Blankety Blank, the usual suspects on social media couldn't resist complaining about a drag queen being on their screens. This is despite the fact that the show had been hosted by the iconic Lily Savage for years. The level of vitriol she received only adds to the tragedy of her passing.
Now, let me be clear – I am in no way implying that her death was a result of this bullying. Her family has asked for privacy and speculation is not helpful. But as someone who knew and admired The Vivienne, it saddens me to think that she was subjected to such hate in her final moments. It also highlights a worrying trend in recent years of the public feeling more emboldened to shame queer people for simply being themselves.
I still remember the first time I met The Vivienne back in 2019. She taught me so much – from makeup tips to the power of confidence. She walked into the workroom on RuPaul's Drag Race UK like she owned the place, and I couldn't help but think "she's going to win". And as the season progressed, it became clear that my initial impression was spot on. We even had a makeup station in the corner that we jokingly named "confidence corner". She truly was a force to be reckoned with.
It's heartwarming to see the outpouring of love and respect for The Vivienne on social media. She touched the lives of so many people, and her talent and charisma will never be forgotten. However, what has prompted me to write this piece is the homophobic climate that surrounded her passing. We don't need to know the details of her death to know that a queer person has died far too young – a tragedy that our community is all too familiar with.
Sadly, this kind of vitriol is nothing new to me. As a public-facing queer person, I have also faced my fair share of hate and discrimination. A recent appearance on Newsnight resulted in thousands of hateful comments calling me names like 'disgusting freak' and 'pervert'. It's a reality that many of us in the UK face every day. And whenever these pile-ons happen, the underlying message is clear – "we preferred it when you were in the closet".
In my experience, the UK is becoming increasingly intolerant, especially towards gender non-conforming individuals. Even this article, mourning the loss of my friend, is likely to attract nasty and homophobic comments. But this is why visibility is so important – it's a form of preventative medicine for the next generation of queer individuals. To some, seeing a drag artist on TV may seem insignificant, but for a young queer person who may be struggling with their identity, it can make all the difference in the world.
We don't need to know the circumstances of The Vivienne's death to feel heartbroken that she received so much hate leading up to it. And for those who participated in that hate, I hope you feel ashamed and will think twice before doing it again. Let queer people live their lives without fear of persecution or discrimination. And to my fellow queer individuals, let's take a lesson from The Vivienne and live confidently, unapologetically taking up space in this world. Rest in pride, my friend.
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[Generative AI is experimental.]
