The late RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, The Vivienne, was recently honoured in an exceptional way at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards. The Vivienne, whose real name is James Lee Williams, passed away at the age of 32 in January 2025. The iconic drag queen was posthumously awarded the icon accolade at the event held in London on February 26. Hosted by Rylan Clark, the ceremony saw The Vivienne’s relatives accepting the award on their behalf.
During the event, fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant Cheryl paid a heartfelt tribute to The Vivienne with a special performance. Cheryl, who is also known as Cheryl Hole and Cheryl The Queen, spoke fondly of The Vivienne’s pioneering role in the UK drag scene, highlighting her as a trailblazer whose legacy continues to inspire.
In the month prior to the awards ceremony, a vigil was held in honour of The Vivienne at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, where attendees paid tribute to the late drag star. The event saw a display of green light in remembrance of The Vivienne’s role as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard Of Oz musical. The Vivienne’s impact extended beyond the drag community, having achieved third place on Dancing On Ice in 2023.
Reflecting on their drag persona in 2019 prior to participating in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne shared the inspiration behind their stage name, citing admiration for designer Vivienne Westwood. Additionally, at the same event, renowned actor and TV host Sir Stephen Fry received the lifetime achievement award, while music icon Anastacia was honoured with the metro global recognition award.
Singer Will Young was recognised as the music hero of the year, and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! sensation GK Barry was celebrated as the rising star. The event also acknowledged prominent figures like Edward Enninful and Robert Rinder for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, with Richard Hartley-Parkinson lauding the significance of the awards in recognising those making a difference.
The Metro Pride Awards provide a platform to honour individuals and organisations advocating for equality within the LGBTQ+ community. The ceremony aimed to celebrate the achievements and efforts of those dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity. As the event drew to a close, congratulations were extended to all the winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions.
The legacy of The Vivienne continues to resonate within the drag community and beyond, inspiring others to embrace authenticity and celebrate diversity. The Metro Pride Awards serve as a testament to the progress and evolution of LGBTQ+ representation, highlighting the importance of recognising and amplifying voices within the community.