Cherry Valentine - "an inspiration to many"
Cherry shared her difficulties growing up as LGBT in the Traveller community, giving a voice to a subject and people that many may not know about.
The drag performer, George Ward, known by the stage name Cherry Valentine, has died. The 28 year old appeared on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and went on to front the ±«Óãtv documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud. RuPaul is known for glitz, glamour and hilarity but beneath the make-up and the glitter, at its heart are the personalities and lives of the much-loved contestants. Cherry Valentine brought all of that. Not just on the stage, but behind the scenes with the open way she talked about her own experiences. She shared her difficulties growing up LGBT in the traveller community, giving a voice to a subject and people that many may not know about. She also spoke strongly about the importance of mental health, having qualified as a mental health nurse before venturing into the world of drag.
Charlotte Simpson, a reporter on ±«Óãtv Radio 1's Newsbeat, has 5 Minutes On - an individual whose performances on stage were as inspiring as those away from the camera.
Image Credit: ±«Óãtv Three
