In the days since it was announced that our beloved sister The Vivienne (James Lee Williams) had passed, we’ve seen an outpouring of support from the community.
People from all over the world have shared stories about how they impacted their lives, whether it was from their appearances on Drag Race or the way they uplifted anyone lucky enough to meet or know her.
The sense of unity within the LGBTQ+ community is perhaps the only positive we can take from such a tragic loss. Its importance should not be overlooked.
While many of us mourn The Vivienne, there are others spewing hateful rhetoric that is vile, defamatory and simply untrue.
“Good riddance, degenerate a**hole,” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “One less weirdo to worry about then,” said another. These are examples of the type of language that has plagued so many posts about The Vivienne’s death, with others being met with an array of baseless slurs that have been weaponised against the LGBTQ+ community for decades and don’t need repeating.
In the final week of The Vivienne’s life, an appearance on Blankety Blank – a show that was famously hosted by drag queen Lily Savage (Paul O’Grady) for several years without issue – resulted in a slew of online abuse.
No public figure in the LGBTQ+ community will be a stranger to this type of hate. It is a reminder that those who seek to divide us will show us no mercy.
But that’s not what matters.
There is no denying that we live in divisive times in a world that increasingly seems as though it is socio-politically moving towards the right, which often feels increasingly hostile for LGBTQ+ people.
There’s also no denying that we are stronger together.
The Vivienne’s passing is a sobering but powerful reminder of the strength the community has when we support one another and show a united front.
For every evil comment posted about their death online, there are hundreds more honouring her memory.
At times like this, it’s important to remember that a loud minority online doesn’t hold any power over us, how we feel, or the legacy of one of our community’s brightest stars.
It can feel like we need to jump in and respond to each of these vile comments.
We don’t.
Let’s remember that the goal of most of these people will be engagement, and that some are willing to let themselves sink to unimaginable lows to get it. We don’t need to be like them.
Instead, let’s focus on supporting each other.
Let’s share our favourite clips, quotes and memories of The Vivienne.
Let’s protect our peace by not engaging with those seeking to distract us from our grief.
Let’s focus on the love we all share for both The Vivienne, because that’s the best way to honour her legacy.
As Mama Ru always says, “If they ain’t paying your bills then pay them b*****s no mind”.
Rest in Power, The Vivienne. We miss you.
If you are in need of support at this difficult time, then please reach out to Switchboard via the charity’s free and confidential helpline on 0800 0119 100, which is open every day from 10am – 10pm (UK time). You are not alone.
