The Vivienne's family tell vigil 'we're so proud'

The family of the beloved drag performer known as The Vivienne held a heartfelt vigil in Liverpool to celebrate the life and legacy of James Lee Williams, who was a shining star in the world of drag. The emotional gathering took place on a Sunday night at St George's Hall, where hundreds of fans and friends came together to pay their respects. The iconic building was illuminated in green, symbolizing The Vivienne's memorable role in the Wizard of Oz. As the crowd swayed with their phone torches, they sang a touching rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, creating a magical atmosphere filled with love and remembrance. The Vivienne rose to fame after winning the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019, and since then, she had become a household name, known for her vibrant performances and larger-than-life personality. The family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they received, stating, 'As a family, we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne. ' They paid tribute to him as a 'son, brother, uncle, and true icon,' reflecting on his journey and determination to succeed in the entertainment industry. They shared, 'From an early age, it was evident he was destined for the stage. he was determined to pave his own way in this world. ' The family emphasized their pride in The Vivienne's accomplishments, saying, 'We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you. ' The vigil also featured heartfelt speeches and performances from friends and fellow performers. Isabella, The Vivienne's young niece, took the microphone to express her love for her uncle, saying, 'Thank you for being here to celebrate my uncle. I love you Uncle James. ' The crowd enjoyed performances from Joey & the Hot Tub Boys, who sang popular songs like Heart of Stone by Cher and Heroes by David Bowie. Danny Beard, a fellow contestant from RuPaul's Drag Race UK, described The Vivienne as a 'truly larger than life' character who inspired many in the LGBT community. They remarked, 'The performances weren't just acts; they were celebrations of life,' highlighting the impact The Vivienne had on those around her. The vigil was organized with the support of Sahir House, Liverpool's oldest LGBTQ+ charity, where The Vivienne served as an ambassador, demonstrating her commitment to the community. As a tribute, attendees released green balloons into the sky, honoring The Vivienne's role as the Wicked Witch of the West in a recent production of Wizard of Oz. The event was a beautiful celebration of a talented individual who brought joy and inspiration to countless lives.