Cherry Valentine

Cherry Valentine 2022

Cherry Valentine (born George Ward; 30 November 1993 – 18 September 2022) was an English drag queen, mental health nurse, and television personality. Cherry Valentine rose to prominence after competing in the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Following the show, Valentine became known for their advocacy in mental health and LGBTQ+ issues, as well as for a documentary that explored their upbringing in a Traveller community.

Early Life

George Ward was born on 30 November 1993 in Darlington, County Durham, England, into a Romani family. Growing up in a traditional Traveller community, Ward faced challenges reconciling their LGBTQ+ identity with their cultural background. Despite these challenges, Ward pursued a career in healthcare, qualifying as a mental health nurse before transitioning into drag performance as Cherry Valentine.

Career

RuPaul's Drag Race UK

Cherry Valentine debuted on the national stage as a contestant on the second series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2021. Although Valentine was the second queen to be eliminated, their unique aesthetic, coupled with a compassionate and introspective personality, left a lasting impression on the audience.

Post-Drag Race

After their stint on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Cherry Valentine continued to work in drag, performing across the UK and using their platform to advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to their performance career, Valentine returned to their roots as a mental health nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting their commitment to public service and healthcare.

In 2021, Cherry Valentine was featured in a BBC documentary titled Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud, which explored their journey of self-discovery and the intersection of their Romani heritage and queer identity. The documentary received critical acclaim for its heartfelt and insightful exploration of cultural and personal identity.

Death

Cherry Valentine passed away unexpectedly on 18 September 2022. The news of their death was met with an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow drag performers, and the wider LGBTQ+ community. Tributes highlighted Valentine's contributions to drag, mental health advocacy, and their role as a trailblazer for queer individuals within the Traveller community.

Legacy

Cherry Valentine is remembered for breaking barriers and fostering a greater understanding of the complexities of identity within the LGBTQ+ and Traveller communities. Their work, both on and off the stage, continues to inspire discussions on inclusivity, mental health, and the importance of embracing one's true self.