Celebrating The Vivienne: How Drag Shaped My Journey to Authenticity

A Tribute to the Influence of Drag in Shaping My Identity

The recent passing of The Vivienne is a profound loss, not only to the drag community but to the world at large. Her influence will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of drag performers and LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue their dreams and live their truths. Her legacy has made me reflect deeply on the role drag has played in my own life…

It wasn’t really until I discovered the world of drag that I felt fully able to explore my identity in all its fullness -

I met my first queer friend, now my best friend, over a conversation about RuPaul’s Drag Race. It was a conversation starter that allowed us to connect and see each other in ways we hadn’t before. At the time, he wasn’t out as gay, and I was still presenting as female. But through drag, we found a common ground that helped us better understand ourselves.

I remember when Drag Race first aired in the UK - it felt surreal that this massive platform was now on our home turf. The Vivienne, as the first winner of UK’s Drag Race, allowed the world to witness the vibrancy and versatility of British drag. She brought British humor, charm, and cultural identity to the main stage, showing that British drag was a force to be reckoned with.

For me, having Drag Race as a platform, and seeing performers transform into larger-than-life personas while defying societal norms, gave me the courage to step into my own journey. It pushed me to stop living miserably as someone I was pretending to be and instead to embrace who I truly was. Through the art of drag, I discovered the power of self-expression, ultimately embracing my identity as a trans man with newfound confidence. It was through this art form that I found my voice, my community, and ultimately, myself.

The Vivienne embodied the very spirit of drag that has inspired so many, myself included. But she did more than inspire - she broke barriers. She transcended the confines of the drag world, taking drag to the mainstream and bringing it to a wider audience. Her level of success showed me that living authentically could lead to greater visibility and acceptance, something I had struggled with throughout my life. She proved that our stories, our identities, and our art have a place in the broader cultural landscape. Drag is not just a subculture but a dynamic, vital part of the mainstream, worthy of recognition and celebration.

The Vivienne’s life and career stand as a testament to the power of visibility and representation. She showed us that it’s possible to remain true to oneself while achieving great heights, and in doing so, she has and will continue to inspire others to embrace their own truths.

As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the indelible mark she left on the world. For me and for many others, The Vivienne’s journey is a reminder of the transformative power of drag and the importance of living authentically. Her legacy is intertwined with my own, as drag continues to be a powerful tool for self-expression, helping individuals like me find belonging in a world that often doesn’t understand us. Drag reminds us that there is strength in difference and that our stories are worth telling.

Rest in power, The Vivienne. Your legacy will undoubtedly live on in the freedom you helped ignite in so many.