The Drag Race universe has always felt bigger than a TV show. It’s a community, a chosen family, and lately, a support system in the truest sense. Over the past several years, the franchise has lost queens and creatives who meant everything to fans: Jiggly Caliente at 44 in April 2025, The Vivienne at just 32 in January 2025, Chi Chi DeVayne in 2020, and producer Lucian Piane in October 2026, among others. Each loss has rippled across franchises from the US to the UK to the Philippines.
Alongside the grief, there have been serious health scares. Morphine Love Dion and Kaos were injured in a 2024 LA car crash. Victoria“PorkChop”Parker, the first queen ever to enter the Drag Race workroom, was hospitalized in March 2026 and is now recovering, with fans funding a mobility scooter through GoFundMe almost instantly. The Vivienne’s family has partnered with addiction charity Adferiad to warn people about ketamine, and World of Wonder will release the documentary Dear Viv, honoring her life and legacy.
What stands out most isn’t the sadness. It’s the response. From RuPaul’s tribute to Chi Chi DeVayne’s“kind and beautiful soul”to fan-led fundraisers and memorial dedications, the Drag Race community keeps proving that it takes care of its own. These queens gave us unforgettable performances and even more unforgettable personalities, and the least we can do is remember them well.
Which Drag Race queen has meant the most to you over the years? Let us know in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.