The very first winner of a franchise sets the tone for a series.
It proved right off the bat,Survivorwas more than the title.
It was a reality show.
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ForRuPauls Drag Race UK, the first season came down toThe VivienneandDivina De Campo.
Both would have been ample winners, showcasing the glorious British drag scene.
But with The Vivienne’s victory, it was more than just a typical reality show win.
The Vivienne represented the evolution of drag and the future ofDrag Race.
Yet, her victory was bigger than just a reality show.
It literally opened doors for drag queens in the reality realm in the UK, and beyond.
Thanks to the trailblazers like The Vivienne,a newfound respect and admiration was paid to queer artists.
Instead they were given their own show produced by the minds behindDrag Race.
When The Vivienne won, she created a show calledThe Vivienne Takes On Hollywood.
And the opportunities came rolling in.
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ meets ‘Squid Game.’
She even appeared on British staples like the long-running soapEmmerdaleandhelped debutAnt and Dec’s drag personasonSaturday Night Takeaway.
These were not just passing moments.
These appearances were impactful because of the magnitude these shows brought.
Of course, as a queer individual,her success didn’t come without conservative pushback.
Even with her most recent appearance on the Boxing Day special ofBlankety Blank.
In drag, she took on The Wicked Witch of the West inThe Wizard of Oz.
Out of drag, she portrayed The Childsnatcher inChitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Just look atMarcia Marcia MarciafromRuPaul’s Drag RaceSeason 15.
She’s appearing on Broadway currently in the ensemble ofCabaret, understudying The Emcee.
A drag reality star on Broadway?
That would have been unheard of years ago.
There’s not a celebrity reality show or panto that doesn’t feature a star fromDrag Racenowadays.
Being a queer person anywhere in the world is not always the easiest.
The Vivienne experienced this.
The world will truly miss The Vivienne.
She will be forever in our hearts.
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