So Long, Sahara

Normally I don't report on celebrity deaths or other pop culture tragedies, simply because I know that you can find more enthusiastic and accurate coverage on thousands of other websites, but this situation is a little different.

This morning I received word that Sahara Davenport, famous from Season 2 of RuPaul's Drag Race, passed away very suddenly. I understand it was very unexpected, and the cause is still unknown. There has been speculation about the accuracy of this story, but RuPaul herself and Michelle Visage have confirmed it, so it appears to be most definitely true.

This hits a little close to home because I did know Sahara very briefly. Back when I was still doing drag, I performed in a show at Therapy with her and Mimi Imfurst, along with a handful of other queens. She was always very pleasant and friendly and a great presence on stage. I saw her shortly after her run on Drag Race at an audition for the musical "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert," and I was beyond flattered that she actually remembered me. She never got too big for her britches and I highly, highly respect that.

I offer my condolences to all who were close with Sahara, and much love to her boyfriend Manila Luzon. There is little more that I can say.