In a touching show of unity, six LGBTQIA+ artists be a part of forces right now to launch a single in tribute to The Vivienne.
That includes vocals from Bentley Robles, Bimini, Eden Hunter, Ellis Miah, Janethan and Tia Kofi, ‘Your Gentle Will Shine’ was written by The Vivienne’s buddy and long-time supervisor Simon Jones, who describes the music as a celebration of late stars lasting legacy but in addition “a message of unity, love and understanding”.
All proceeds from the singles launch will go to Switchboard, the nationwide LGBTQIA+ assist line that not too long ago marked its fiftieth anniversary.
Commenting on the heartfelt observe, Simon says: “I needed to do one thing that might not solely honour The Vivienne’s lasting legacy but in addition assist increase important funds for a charity that does a lot for our neighborhood. Viv was a trailblazer and a one off, and on this music we have fun their life but in addition remind everybody that proper now we must be united as a neighborhood and combat for our love greater than ever. I’m so grateful to the wonderful music artists who’ve given their time and expertise to create this lovely pop music.”
Hearken to ‘Your Gentle Will Shine’ beneath:
The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, who shot to fame after profitable the primary season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, died in January 2025 following a cardiac arrest linked to ketamine use. Jones stated of their buddy: “Viv was a trailblazer and a one-off,” and harassed the significance of neighborhood solidarity in persevering with to combat for love.
The undertaking continues a sequence of tributes to The Vivienne’s life and affect, together with the BBC documentary Expensive Viv, which explores each Williams’ rise within the drag scene and the non-public struggles they confronted.
ABOUT SWITCHBOARD
Switchboard is the UK’s nationwide LGBTQ+ helpline and assist service. Based in 1974, it offers confidential recommendation, emotional assist, and knowledge for individuals who establish as lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, queer, or in any other case questioning their sexuality or gender identification.
Providers embody:
- Phone and e mail assist for people looking for steering or somebody to speak to.
- Assets and signposting to different LGBTQ+ providers, together with psychological well being, authorized recommendation, and neighborhood teams.
- Campaigning and consciousness round LGBTQ+ points, significantly psychological well being and wellbeing.
It’s a lifeline for a lot of locally, particularly those that might really feel remoted, face discrimination, or are scuffling with their identification.
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