RuPaul’s DragCon UK has confirmed that Cherry Valentine’s booth will remain at the event as a way of celebrating the late star’s memory.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely and tragic loss of Cherry Valentine. She was kind, generous and an inspiration,” it said in a statement on Instagram on 3 October.
“RuPaul’s DragCon has always been a place where we all come together as a community. It is in that spirit that Cherry’s booth will remain at DragCon UK as a place where people can gather, reflect and celebrate her memory.”
There will be a book of condolence for people to sign and space for those who loved Cherry (also known as George Ward) to leave memorials.
DragCon UK also announced that it will be partnering with Switchboard, an LGBTQ+ helpline, adding: “They will also have a booth at DragCon and we also encourage everyone to learn more about their mission, talk to some of their volunteers, and to donate. We will match up the first £5,000 in donations.”
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Cherry passed away on 18 September, with her death described as a “profound shock” by her family.
She was raised in Darlington, County Durham and was a member of the Traveller community.
The drag performer rose to fame after appearing on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK before fronting the BBC documentary, Gypsy Queen and Proud.
Before getting into the industry, Cherry qualified as a mental health nurse – something he said “put me in that right position to be able to understand people a bit more” during his introductory video for the competition.
More information on remembering Cherry Valentine can be found here and those in need of support can reach Switchboard from 10am to 10pm seven days a week on 0300 330 0630 or via www.switchboard.lgbt.
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