Since January 2025, the LGBTQIA+ community has lost some truly remarkable icons. Each left behind work that mattered and memories that stuck. Whether they broke barriers in film, music, or activism, their voices still echo. “We don’t stop existing when we’re gone,” one once said—and that feels truer than ever.
Richard Chamberlain
Richard Chamberlain, “the king of the miniseries,” has died after complications from a stroke. You probably remember him as Father Ralph in The Thorn Birds or TV’s original Dr. Kildare—roles that made Sunday nights unforgettable.
The Vivienne
The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, died on 5 January 2025 at just 32. Publicist Simon Jones called him “an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.” Months later, Jones revealed the performer’s death was due to “the effects of ketamine use.” The 2019 Drag Race UK winner changed drag forever—and saved lives by how he left it.
Tim Kruger
Tim Kruger, 44, passed away on 1 March 2025 after what his team called “a tragic, yet simple accident at home.” The TimTales co-founder wasn’t just a name in adult film—he was a creative force who built an empire from Düsseldorf to global screens. “He died knowing he was loved.”
Jiggly Caliente
Jiggly Caliente, born Bianca Castro-Arabejo, passed away peacefully at 44 on 27 April 2025. Just days earlier, she’d faced a severe infection that led to her hospitalisation and leg amputation. From Drag Race’s “Baked Potato Couture” to Pose and All Stars, Jiggly turned every setback into art—and left the stage on her terms.
Damien Stone
Damien Stone, 32, passed away in March 2025 from complications linked to an enlarged heart. Born in Moldova and raised in the U.S., he starred in over 120 adult films before turning to bodybuilding and advocacy. Even after leaving the industry, he kept “raising awareness and sharing information for equality.”
AJ Bediako
AJ Bediako, 32, passed away on 27 May 2025. The London Knights called him a “core part of the team” whose “beaming smile lit up every room.” Fans remember him as an O.G. BritCrew member from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, actor, and trainer who made fitness—and life—look effortless.
Roman Mercury
Roman Mercury, 45, passed away in February 2025 after a heart attack caused by hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Born in São Paulo and based in the U.S., he built a name across 93 adult film scenes and online platforms. Friend Greg Dixxon said, “He suffered from a heart attack.”
Koby Falks
Koby Falks, 39, passed away in May 2025. The announcement on his Instagram read, “He was loved by many and will be missed.” Known to family as Anthony Cox, the Australian performer starred in 76 projects since 2022 and built a 400,000-strong online following that still remembers him fondly.
Jonathan Joss
Jonathan Joss, 59, was tragically shot and killed outside his home on 1 June 2025. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, said, “You need to go ahead and cross over easy.” Best known as John Redcorn on King of the Hill, Joss’s voice and spirit left a mark television won’t forget.
Sha’Vi Lewis
Sha’Vi Lewis, 39, passed away on 24 February 2025. His aunt wrote, “My fabulous, talented nephew… is gone from this place.” The Project Runway season 18 designer and former Stephen F. creative director built a name on bold menswear and heart. Fashion lost more than talent—it lost personality.
Roland Curram
Roland Curram, 92, was more than a charming moustache and perfect tailoring. As Freddie Martin in Eldorado (1992), he broke ground as one of TV’s first openly gay soap characters—and still found time to steal scenes from Julie Christie in Darling (1965). Not bad for a “supporting actor.”
Noel Tovey
Noel Tovey, who died at 90 on August 11, defied prejudice to become Australia’s first Aboriginal male ballet dancer. Awarded an Order of Australia, he turned hardship into history. “He showed us what resilience looks like,” said friends ahead of this week’s memorial celebrating his extraordinary six-decade career.
Miss Major Griffin‑Gracy
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, 78, died at home in Little Rock on October 13. A Stonewall veteran and community mother, she spent her life housing Black trans women, fighting injustice, and reminding everyone that history means nothing without action. “Protect the most vulnerable,” she’d say—and she always did.
