One year on: remembering drag legend The Vivienne

People across the globe are today (January 3rd) marking one year since we lost the Liverpool legend, and Drag Race UK Season 1 winner: The Vivienne.

Otherwise known as James Lee Williams, they shot to fame in 2019, before becoming a regular on TV, competing on Drag Race All Stars in 2022, and placing third on the 2023 edition of ITV's Dancing On Ice.

Their death - at the age of just 32 - sent shockwaves throughout the world of drag, with RuPaul herself calling the performer someone who had an ardent passion for 'love and life'.

Read more: Landmarks to light up green for anniversary of The Vivienne's death

Back in the summer, a group of queer artists came together to collaborate on a new song, called 'Your Light Will Shine', inspired by The Vivienne’s life and legacy.

The track, titled ‘Your Light Will Shine,’ aims to both honour the drag icon, and raise vital funds for Switchboard, a charity supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

The song features vocals from well-known artists including Bentley Robles, Bimini, Eden Hunter, Janethan, and Tia Kofi, making it an exclusively queer project.

Publicist Simon Jones, who was a close friend of Viv, expressed gratitude to the musical collaborators who lent their exceptional talent to create the pop song.

The cover design of the single was created by artist Big Fat Lucky Tiger, adding to the creative energy behind the project.

The Vivienne has been described as a trailblazer, whose life and work were a source of inspiration for many, with the track not only celebrating their life, but it also calls for unity within the community during challenging times.

'A real labour of love'

It was produced by US-based DJ and producer Ellis Miah - who has been speaking to Hits Radio Pride.

Ellis said: "I only met Viv once, and that was on the All Stars legends music challenge, but throughout this project, it was a real labour of love.

"It was like being in a cool, queer summer camp, making the track, and like any of these things, there's always that bit of chaos, especially as we had less than two days together to make it, but at every point that somebody could let you down, everybody stepped up.

"I've met people who were very close to Viv because of me producing this track, and the excitement and reverence they've got from it, saying how much they would have loved this, has been very rewarding.

"We also have this new 'Spice Girls' thing going on with the artists on the single - and from a very tragic event back at the start of 2025, us together, we have this relationship now, and that is something which is very special to me.

"We don't get to decide how long we have on this earth, so it's really important that those people who inspire us, make us laugh, see us at our lowest and still love us... we celebrate them and tell them how we feel.

"This is how I'll be marking the occasion on the anniversary, by taking a step back, and taking a moment to reflect on that."

Read more: RuPaul pays tribute to Liverpool drag star The Vivienne

'Viv shone very brightly'

A new documentary, called Dear Viv, aired on the TV back in the summer too.

The programme offered an intimate look into the superstar's life and legacy, from her roots in North Wales and Liverpool to her performances on global stages, her remarkable journey as an entertainer touched audiences worldwide.

Viv's family reflected on their adventurous spirit and aspirations, while poignant moments delve into their candid struggle with ketamine addiction, with sister Chanel Williams appealing for greater awareness about the drug that tragically led to their death in January last year.

Hits Radio Pride caught up with some of those close to them ahead of the release of the show.

Sahir House supports LGBTQ+ communities and people living with HIV across Liverpool - a charity The Vivienne supported ardently, particularly in their work with people living with HIV and the wider LGBTQ+ community.

Chief Executive, Ant Hopkinson said: "Viv shone very brightly, and it's great that we got to have another moment to celebrate what was a fantastic life, a great talent, and someone who was both genuine and authentic.

"Even when she shot into stardom, she always kept in touch with us, so it was even more sad for us to lose her.

"When she appeared on shows like Celebrity Mastermind, we were Viv's chosen charity, and she took part in a comedy drag roast event in one of our local bars not long before she passed away.

"Viv wasn't just a drag artist, she was an all-round performer, she was brilliant.

"For me, being a member of the LGBT+ community, having artists like The Vivienne in the public eye is so important, because they allow us to challenge the stigma and discrimination our community faces, and they deserve to be platformed.

"It's that kindness and that altruism that comes to mind when I think of Viv.

"We remember her every day that we support someone - it's about the continuation of those that came before us and those that come after us which motivate us to keep on doing what we're doing."

'Such an incredible, warm person'

Elektra Fence also appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, on one of the later series, and reflected on Viv's life.

Elektra said: "I worked with Viv a few times, who was such an incredible, warm person.

"You walked into a dressing room, and you could hear their laugh from the other side of the building!

"This documentary really is a must-see, and I think what her family are doing, launching the House of the Vivienne charity is such an incredible thing.

"I know what it's like to lose someone close.

"So, to turn something which is so heart-breaking into something that can help others is really, really beautiful."

Read more: Mourners arrive at funeral service for drag star The Vivienne

Back in June, a coroner ruled that James Lee Williams' death was from misadventure after suffering cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use.

Williams was found in the bath by a neighbour at their home in Cheshire two days after they'd passed away, on January 5th, 2025.

Their family told the hearing they should not be remembered for their ketamine use and that drugs did not define the person they were.

Support is available

House of the Vivienne helps people dealing with addiction, as well as providing support to their family and friends, giving everyone a space to be heard, understood and supported.

Sahir House offers practical and emotional assistance, as well as camaraderie and connection, in a safe, non-judgmental environment to those living with HIV.

Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line, which offers help with anything related to sexuality and gender identity.

There's more useful contacts on the Mind Mental Health website.

Read more: The Vivienne's death ruled misadventure after ketamine use

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