It goes without saying Paul O’Grady was a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Birkenhead-born star never shied away from telling you how he felt especially when it came to issues impacting the community directly.
The much-loved TV presenter marched against Section 28 which prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities and held fundraisers for HIV/AIDS research at a time when quite often no one else would. He did so all whilst wearing a blonde wig, red lipstick and some heels as his alter ego, Lily Savage - a drag queen whose legacy will live on.
READ MORE: Life of Paul O'Grady who rose to fame as Lily Savage
In light of the news that the former drag queen died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday, March 28, the region’s LGBTQ+ community have paid tribute.
Antony Hopkinson, CEO of Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ charity, Sahir House, told the ECHO: “Inspiring, radical, funny, witty, kind and compassionate - just a few of the many words we would use here at Sahir House to describe Paul.
“Paul was a class act - a proper northern LGBTQ+ trailblazer and a Merseyside success story we can all be proud of.
“Paul served as a patron of Sahir House for several years. He has a special place in our hearts and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family, friends and loyal fans at this sad time.”
Andi Herring, CEO and co-founder at LCR Pride Foundation, added: “We were deeply saddened this morning to hear of the passing of Paul O’Grady. He - and the unforgettable Lily Savage - have touched the lives of so many people in the Liverpool City Region and beyond and his passing is a huge loss to all.
“Fiercely funny with razor-sharp wit, yet kind and compassionate, Paul was a trailblazer and inspiration to the LGBT+ community and will remain in our hearts always.”
Antony Griffin, chair of CMAGIC, a Wirral-based trans and non-binary counselling support service, said: “Like everyone else, I imagine very sad to hear of his passing but he leaves behind a legacy of challenging prejudices through his craft as an artist and performer.
“I got to see him perform live and will always remember the laughter he generated in his act. The laughter brought with it awareness of issues facing right across the LGBT spectrum.
"His retirement of the character of Lilly Savage showed that he was not just a one-trick pony. That he could sustain a successful career by being himself, by being Paul O’Grady.
"Thank you Lily and Paul for pushing the boundaries further for the next generation.”
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