Trans icon and Hey Qween host Lady Red Couture has passed away

Lady Red Couture

Lady Red Couture, an icon of the Los Angeles trans and drag communities and co-host of the YouTube talk show Hey Qween!, has passed away.

Lady Red Couture was known best for co-hosting the YouTube talkshow Hey Qween! with Johnny McGovern, and interviewing some of the drag and LGBT+ scenes’ biggest names. 

She described herself as “a trans woman that lives as the largest drag queen in captivity — not just another drag queen”.

McGovern posted the news that she had passed away on Instagram on Saturday, July 25, saying that “the unthinkable has happened”.

He wrote: “My best friend and sister Lady Red Couture has passed. I am shocked and devastated.

“I never believed we would lose her like this. Please know this is real and it hurts so bad. RIP @mothercouture I love you baby.”

Lady Red Couture had been in intensive care since last Sunday because of complications related to a chronic condition, cycling vomiting syndrome.

McGovern added: “I was told she was improving yesterday and was ready to move out of intensive care.

“But very early this morning she had an episode and coded and she was gone.

“I was just with her mom and her sister. We are in shock. We are devastated.”

McGovern had been crowdfunding to contribute to her hospital bills, and the money will now go to Lady Red’s family to help with funeral arrangements.

The LGBT+ community and RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars took to social media to honour the life of Lady Red Couture.

Farrah Moan wrote on Twitter: “This is absolutely devastating… She was such a light. We really lost an angel.”

Katya said: “Oh my god I can’t believe Lady Red has died. She brought me so much joy the past few years when my manic a** was working the WeHo beat. Rest easy, beautiful soul.”

Adore Delano added: “Such a bright ass light for many of us. Walking down the street every night will not be the same without your hugs and chats.

“The world won’t be the same without your laugh. Rest In Peace, beautiful.”