Chanel Williams has spoken out in support of a memorial statue honouring her brother, James Lee Williams. Known to thousands around the world as The Vivienne, the celebrated performer was born in Colwyn Bay before moving to Liverpool at the age of 16.
It was in the city that their iconic alter ego was born – a character that would go on to capture the hearts of audiences across the country and beyond. The star died on January 3, 2025, at the age of 32. Their body was found at their home by a neighbour in Cheshire two days later.
Charity and podcast lead statue project
James’ family established the charity The House of the Vivienne in their memory, which supports people affected by substance use, with a particular focus on ketamine awareness, education and harm reduction. Now, the charity, alongside Liverpool podcast Proudly Said, has announced plans to commission a permanent life-size statue of The Vivienne, to be sited at the entrance to Liverpool's officially recognised Pride Quarter.
Working in iconic Liverpool venues including Garlands, GBar, and Superstar Boudoir, The Vivienne became a defining figure of the Pride Quarter long before national fame found them. The project has secured initial funding from Liverpool Business Improvement District.
Family and community reactions
Chanel said: "James gave everything to Liverpool and Liverpool gave everything back to him. This city saw him, accepted him, and helped him become The Vivienne."
"A permanent statue in the Pride Quarter feels like the right way to make sure nobody forgets that, and to remind anyone who might be struggling that they do not have to do it alone. That was what James believed, and it is what we are going to keep saying."
The proposed statue will be positioned at the entrance to the Pride Quarter, looking out over Stanley Street and the community James helped to define, acting as its “guardian angel, and inviting visitors to sit and have a catch up”. The location was chosen to ensure the statue can be gathered around, becoming a lasting focal point for both the LGBTQ+ community and visitors to the city.
John Hyland, from Proudly Said, said: "The Vivienne was the Pride Quarter, and James had a way of making everyone who walked through any one of those doors feel like they belonged, and that didn't stop when the cameras arrived, and their star shot into the sky."
"This statue is Liverpool acknowledging what the LGBTQ+ community already knows. But it's also the beginning of something bigger. The Pride Quarter deserves investment, attention, and a future, and this is the first statement of intent that it's going to get both."
