James Lee Williams chose Liverpool at sixteen. He packed up, left North Wales, and came to a city he believed would see him.

Liverpool did.

The Vivienne was born here, in the venues and the community of the Pride Quarter. Working in iconic Liverpool spaces including Garlands, GBar and Superstar Boudoir, she made everyone feel like they belonged, long before the cameras arrived. James went on to win the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, compete on Dancing on Ice, and become one of the most recognisable LGBTQ+ figures in the world.

But Liverpool knew her first.

In January 2025, we lost James far too soon, following a silent battle with ketamine addiction. The stigma surrounding that struggle meant he did not feel able to ask for help. This campaign carries that with it, so that no one else has to face that silence alone.

James was also a friend. Someone who walked into a room and made everyone in it feel like they belonged. That is who The Vivienne was to Liverpool’s Pride Quarter, and that is who she still is to everyone who loved her.

Now we have the chance to make sure Liverpool never forgets.

We are raising funds* to commission a permanent lifesize statue of The Vivienne, to be sited at the entrance to Liverpool’s officially recognised Pride Quarter, looking out over the street she made her own. The Vivienne will watch over the community she loved as its permanent guardian angel.

About this campaign

Bring The Vivienne Home is led by James’s mother, Cassie Williams, and managed by Proudly Said, in partnership with Liverpool BID Company.

The beneficiary listed on this fundraiser is Michelle Bacon, Head of Finance at Liverpool BID Company. Liverpool BID Company is our partner in this campaign and holds the funds on its behalf, so that every donation is managed securely and transparently by an established organisation.

Every pound raised goes directly toward the commission and installation of the statue. No pound is too small. No share is too small. Every contribution brings The Vivienne one step closer to her permanent home.

James chose Liverpool. Help us make sure Liverpool chooses James back.

Donate. Share. Bring The Vivienne Home.

Find out more HERE.

*100% of these funds are strictly restricted and ringfenced solely for the creation, installation and maintenance of The Vivienne statue.