The family of James Lee Williams, internationally renowned as drag artist The Vivienne, has established a substance abuse support initiative in the performer's coastal hometown of Colwyn Bay. Named "House of Vivienne," the weekly sessions aim to provide aid for those battling drug and alcohol dependencies following Williams' tragic death earlier this year.
Williams, winner of the inaugural RuPaul's Drag Race UK season and breakout star of British drag culture, died in January at age 32 from cardiac arrest triggered by ketamine toxicity. The performer's sister Chanel Williams revealed they had maintained extended sobriety before relapsing recently, concealing their renewed struggle to protect loved ones.
"This is for anyone who feels alone," stated Chanel Williams. "James would want you to know you matter, your life matters. There is always hope."
Operating every Tuesday at Ty Enfys community hub, the program partners with Adferiad, Sanctuary Trust, and substance abuse charities to create judgment-free environments. Chanel emphasized the initiative's focus on combating ketamine's rising prevalence in the UK, where under-16s reporting issues with the drug have nearly doubled since 2022.
Medical authorities classify ketamine as a potent anesthetic and horse tranquilizer that can induce bladder damage when misused. While small doses create euphoria, larger quantities trigger dissociative "K-hole" states and carry legal penalties of up to five years imprisonment.
"Ketamine stigma costs lives," Chanel asserted. "We're creating safety for people to say 'I need help' - meeting them where they are without judgment, just as James would have wanted." The performer had previously discussed addiction challenges during their RuPaul's Drag Race appearance and during the franchise's 2022 all-winners season.
Beyond drag fame, Williams achieved milestones as the first drag queen competitor on Dancing on Ice and performed in West End productions. The family hopes these community sessions will extend Williams' legacy of sparking joy while addressing addiction's darkness.
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