Tributes pour in for drag queen Valencia Prime who died after collapsing onstage

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Prominent Philadelphia drag queen Valencia Prime died on Monday (12 September) after she collapsed onstage while performing in the city’s Gayborhood.

Prime, who was only 25 according to most reports, was performing at the Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar. A cause of death has not been made public.

She regularly hosted “PrimeTime” – a drag showcase – and described herself as a trans woman and “Philadelphia’s plus-sized dancing diva” on her Instagram.

Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community has been mourning the performer with an outpouring of love and support.

“Valencia leaves a legacy of love that will last forever,” a friend said.

The performer’s family have set up a GoFundMe to cover the costs of her funeral. It surpassed its goal in less than two days.

Tabu, one of Prime’s regular venues and the bar where she was performing when she collapsed, posted a statement to their Instagram.

“Today we mourn the loss of a very bright and rising star in the performance community and a person who was always full of life and positivity. We say goodbye to Valencia Prime but we will not forget the light you brought to the stage.”

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Underneath the post, fans have commented their heartfelt goodbyes to Valencia.

“Sleep in peace goddess,” one wrote, with another commenting, “Sending everyone all my love. Truly a devastating loss.”

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“The brightest light in the room,” said a third.

Dr Timaree, a sexuality educator and burlesque performer, described her as a “talent and a delightful person”.

This community has suffered so much loss in the last few years. Valencia Prime was a talent and a delightful person. Rest in power, babe. pic.twitter.com/oK9vFgpcP6

— dr timaree (@timaree_leigh) September 13, 2022

A friend of Prime and fellow drag performer Aloe Vera posted a photo of the two and touching tribute on Facebook: “I’m trying to be strong and I’m trying to brave because you were the one the taught me how to be strong and brave.

“I love you with everything in my heart Valencia. Rest in power”