As the festivities begin at the fifth annual “RuPaul’s DragCon in the UK” this weekend, organizers and participants are doing everything they can to ensure the presence of The Vivienne is felt everywhere.

Performing just five days after the beloved drag artist’s party sudden death at 32, his heart was heavy as the event kicked off Friday afternoon. As seen on social media, tributes to The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, have been abundant while defining her impact on the world of drag and LGBTQ+ media.

From the start of “RuPaul’s DragCon UK 2025”, it was clear that The Vivienne was still on everyone’s minds.

At the grand opening ceremony, which “opens” the convention for fans to fully enter the ExCel London convention center, RuPaul stood alongside co-host and friend Michelle Visage, and makeup artist, Raven , “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum, and gave words of hope and meaning for the crowd at large.

“I want us to focus on love and remember our dear Vivienne,” she said to loud cheers of approval, “because that’s who she was.”

After reminding the crowd to “live their lives and be free,” Ru followed up with a cheeky comment that her drag daughter would have wholeheartedly approved of.

“Have fun,” she said, “and pass it around!” »

Later in the afternoon, “RuPaul’s DragCon UK” would continue on a somber but celebratory note, with a moment featuring the surviving cast of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK”, series 1.

Standing in formation on stage in front of a photo of La Vivienne before the Promenade des Reines, a minute of silence gave way to the touching words of an event organizer.

With his close friend Baga Chipz leading the way, the organizer led the crowd.

“We want to take this moment to thank you for everything you have given us,” she shared, adding: “Let this weekend be a celebration of [The Vivienne’s] love, life and dedication to the art of drag. We love you!”

As a remix of “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” filled the room, the actors walked and pranced on the pink carpet, displaying their charisma, uniqueness, courage and talent, in front of the crowd of spectators .

With this year’s event scheduled months before Vivienne’s passing, there was a quiet understanding of the emotional state of mind of RuPaul’s DragCon UK 2025 attendees.

In a note posted to the official X/Twitter profile for “RuPaul’s DragCon,” event organizers and World of Wonder, the production company behind the Drag Race franchise, asked fans to be respectful to those in attendance while gently reminding them how they knew La Vivienne, and how those who worked alongside her knew the interpreter.

“As we navigate this weekend together, we know many of us will want to celebrate La Vivienne by sharing our condolences with her loved ones,” it read.

“Please be aware,” he continues, “that we all process and experience grief differently and that some people may not yet be ready to talk about the loss of a loved one.”

The post follows by mentioning a dedicated memorial space at the convention for those who feel comfortable expressing their condolences about The Vivienne, and grief counselors from Switchboard’s LGBTQ+ hotline are on hand if needed .

“We can’t wait to see everyone this weekend and fill the room with love.”

As the drag community and its fans continue to come to terms with the sudden loss of The Vivienne, waves of tributes continue to pour in from former “Drag Race” contestants and other loved ones.

Bimini Bon Boulash, star of the second series of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK”, told X this week that The Vivienne was “a unique talent, a sharp tongue and a kind soul”.

“Tell the people you love how special they are,” Bimini continued, adding, “Loss is one of the cruelest parts of the human experience. Rest in peace.”

Publicist Simon Jones, whose clients included The Vivienne and Bimini Bon Boulash, later wrote a lengthy article for Metro United Kingdom after initially informing fans of the artist’s death in a separate statement.

“What I will remember most are the incredible private moments we shared where Viv would make me laugh uncontrollably,” Jones recalls. “Sometimes we would go to lunch or dinner just to chat and catch up. It was Viv’s magic. They could walk into a room and it would light up with a presence that everyone would feel.

One of the most moving statements undoubtedly came from Baga Chipz, who competed with The Vivienne in the first-ever “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” competition.

In a carousel of images shared on Instagram, the series 1 runner-up called her late sister her family member and best friend.

“You will always be the Velma to my Louise, and I will always talk to you before I go on stage for every show I do,” Bagz wrote, “because let’s face it, you were a damn powerhouse when you first got on scene. Always there for me when I needed you My beautiful boy.

While RuPaul lovingly led the opening of “RuPaul’s DragCon 2025” this year, she felt some tough love was needed for the way a former contestant disgraced The Vivienne hours after her death.

As reported on The explosionJames Ross, who competed on the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” as Tyra Sanchez in 2010, took to X Sunday to “dunk” on a five-year-old comment made by The Vivienne.

“I bet Tyra was furious when she realized Netflix spoiled the winner,” the late artist wrote, speaking about the app releasing episodes ahead of their original release schedule.

Ross, in turn, reposted the old comment and responded: “Yet this doesn’t compare to the fumes from the crematorium.”

After being criticized for her rudeness by other “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni and fans, Mama Ru would post a clip of herself “slapping” Ross during an acting challenge during season 2, with the audio being replaced by the infamous viral video “Sharkeisha”.