Remembering James Lee Williams, aka The Vivienne

By John Hyland

{Image description: The Vivienne is wearing a red wig, low-cut sparkly top, dramatic eyeshadow and is applying makeup with a brush. John is standing behind her with a professional camera, taking her photograph}

I’ve spent a long time working within the LGBTQIA+ community – first through media, then with Liverpool Pride and now as the Community Partnerships & Individual Giving Lead for Sahir, a Liverpool-based LGBTQIA+ and HIV charity. Along the way, I’ve met some incredible people, but one friendship stands out above the rest: the one with James Lee Williams, known to the world as The Vivienne. 

I’ve found myself reflecting on the nearly 15 years we knew each other. He wasn’t just a friend; he was a confidante, a cheerleader, a constant source of laughter and light, and I forever coined The Vivienne as my muse. I guess this is a wee tribute to him – a celebration of his life, his legacy, and the impact he had on me, Liverpool, and the wider LGBTQIA+ community. 

Like with many, we first connected on Grindr, and James loved telling people this, always laughing as he said, 'We met on Grindr, but nothing ever happened!' That was James – always ready with a joke and never taking himself too seriously. 

Back then, we were just two gay lads from Liverpool, one at the start of their very own yellow brick road, the other wanting to be as big a support as possible. We quickly clicked, realising we both had a creative flair, though we expressed it in very different ways; and it wasn’t long before we started making silly YouTube videos – mostly me bringing an idea of James’ to life. 

Those early collaborations became the foundation of our friendship. We’d brainstorm ideas, film ridiculous skits, and laugh for hours. But beyond the fun, we were each other’s biggest supporters. We encouraged each other and were there through every success and setback. 

But, it wasn’t just about making videos or nights out; we became each other’s confidantes. James was there for me through some of the toughest moments of my life, including a very toxic relationship that left me feeling lost in myself and my purpose; as well as a more recent situation that took me to the darkest of places. 

I remember speaking to him, being a completely over-the-top mess and reading into every little thing. He listened, reassured me, made me laugh when I didn’t think I could, and reminded me of my strength. That was James – fiercely loyal, endlessly supportive, and always ready to lift your spirits – no matter what he was doing or where he was. 

It wasn’t just me who experienced this. James had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. It’s no wonder he was loved by so many. 

Our friendship wasn’t just built on fun and laughter. It was also rooted in a shared commitment to our community. Even as James’ career took off, he stayed connected to his roots. He supported Sahir, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQIA+ and HIV charity, long before the world knew him as The Vivienne, and his commitment never wavered – making it his chosen charity whenever he did a television game show, or charity benefit. It says so much that his highlighting of Sahir – a small, local, grassroots community organisation – will be something that sticks as part of his lasting legacy. 

He was a dedicated champion, using platforms like Liverpool Pride as a means to highlight issues and champion LGBTQIA+ causes; something that continued long into his career. He understood the importance of visibility and equality, and he did it all with humour, humility, and heart. I remember joining him on BBC Radio Merseyside in December, before local drag queens came together to take part in a Snatch Game event to raise money for Sahir, and James used this time to highlight issues affecting the community, especially the transgender community, without hesitation. 

Watching him use his platform to both raise awareness and uplift others was one of the things I admired most. Even when he became a household name, he stayed grounded and loyal to his community – especially the Liverpool community. 

Seeing James’ rise to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK was surreal. The same person I made silly videos with was now dazzling millions worldwide. But despite the glitz and glamour, James never changed. 

He was always himself – hilarious, bold, and unapologetically authentic. Fame didn’t go to his head. If anything, it amplified the qualities that made him special: his kindness, his wit, and his dedication to uplifting others. 

James didn’t just win Drag Race UK [Season 1]; he won hearts because he stayed true to who he was. And that’s what made him a star, both on and off the screen. 

Since James passed, I’ve been replaying our memories over and over – quite literally too, with all the videos there are online. The laughter, the deep chats, the fun content we made – they all mean even more now. As a friend, losing him has been one of the hardest things I’ve faced, and I still don’t think I’ve accepted it, but I feel incredibly lucky to have known him. 

Our friendship shaped who I am today, and his influence is woven into everything I do, especially at Sahir and in the LGBTQIA+ community. His legacy isn’t just about his success on stage or screen – it’s about the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the way he inspired people to be unapologetically themselves. 

Moving forward, I want to honour his legacy by continuing the work he cared about. Whether it’s supporting LGBTQIA+ people, fighting for equality, or simply showing up for my community the way James always did, I’m determined to keep his spirit alive. 

He was more than just The Vivienne; he was James – someone who made the world a brighter place just by being in it. Even though he’s gone, his light lives on in all of us who were lucky enough to know him. 

I miss him more than words can say, but I carry him with me every day. And I know that, as long as we keep his memory alive, he’ll never truly be gone. 

James, thank you for everything. For the laughter, the love, and the unforgettable memories. You know that if I achieve anything, it will be keeping your legacy alive, and I’ll never stop telling people how we met on Grindr… even though nothing ever happened. 

Rest in power, my friend. You were one of a kind, and you always will be. 

All photographs provided by John

Bio: John Hyland is the Community Partnerships lead for Sahir, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQIA+ & HIV Charity. He has been an activist for a long time, initially creating LGBTQIA+ content online, before becoming co-chair of Liverpool Pride and co-founding LCR Pride Foundation. He then ran away to Northern Ireland where he got involved in local politics, becoming a councillor for the area he relocated to – the first openly LGBTQIA+ councillor on that council. Since returning to Liverpool, he has put his efforts back into the local LGBTQIA+ community, helping to ensure awareness and support for Sahir grows. Follow John at: 

Instagram: @JohnMHyland_ 

You can find out more about Sahir at www.sahir.org.uk and can donate here: https://sahirhouse.enthuse.com/donate#!/