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Kevin Aviance ‘lucky to be alive’ in New York City hospital after serious health scare

Source: Online News Article

Creator/handle: Christopher Wiggins, The Advocate

Posted: May 26, 2025

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Kevin Aviance, the iconic drag artist and Black queer New York City nightlife legend whose music helped define a generation of ballroom and club culture, is recovering in the hospital after a life-threatening health emergency, his team announced Monday.

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In a statement posted to social media, Aviance's family said he began having trouble breathing at home over the weekend and initially believed it was an asthma attack. But his condition worsened rapidly, and he was rushed to the emergency room. There, he was diagnosed with pneumonia and septic poisoning. Sepsis, also known as septic poisoning, is a dangerous complication that happens when the body's response to an infection spirals out of control, triggering inflammation that can shut down vital organs. According to his team, doctors told Aviance he's "incredibly lucky to be alive."

The statement says he remains hospitalized, is on oxygen, and is being closely monitored. If his recovery continues smoothly, he may be discharged within a few days.

Related: With an Assist From Beyoncé, Black Queen Kevin Aviance Is Back

"This is an emotional time for Kevin, his family, and all of us who love him," the statement read. "Sometimes our bodies whisper before they scream. We have to listen and slow down."

The Advocate has learned that Aviance is recovering at Mount Sinai Hospital.

"Kevin is currently on oxygen and under close medical supervision to ensure the septic infection is fully cleared from his body," Aviance's publicist, Len Evans, told The Advocate. "He is still battling pneumonia and remains in stable condition while resting. We ask everyone to please keep Kevin in your thoughts and prayers during this time."

Related: Equalpride Announces Support of Kevin Aviance's CVNTY Ball Tour

Evans said the health scare followed weeks of nonstop work. "He stretched himself too thin working nonstop the last few weeks to release his new single," Evans said. "He's spent many hours in the recording studio finishing up his album and doing back-to-back gigs-it just all caught up to him."

After surviving a brutal anti-gay hate crime in 2006 and retreating from the spotlight, Aviance experienced a career renaissance in recent years.

Aviance, 56, a member of the House of Aviance and one of the most celebrated figures in LGBTQ+ nightlife, is best known for hits like "Din Da Da" and "Cunty"-the latter sampled by Beyoncé on 2022's Renaissance. His influence spans decades and genres, from club anthems and fashion runways to recent DJ sets across North America, including his CVNTY Ball Tour backed by The Advocate's parent company, equalpride.

News of Aviance's hospitalization prompted an immediate wave of love and support from fans and fellow performers.

"Sending Love, Light, and Healing prayers," wrote music icon Crystal Waters. Comedian and host Jonny McGovern called Aviance a "legend," adding, "Sending all my love and good energy to our qween."

Drag artist and RuPaul's Drag Race alum Nicky Doll wrote, "Sending all the positive energies possible your way Kevin!"

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Kevin Aviance 'lucky to be alive' in New York City hospital after serious health scare

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The legendary drag performer was rushed to the hospital with trouble breathing.

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Kevin Aviance "Pulled" and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”

Source: YouTube (Live Performance Video)

Creator/handle: Sasha Velour/@houseofvelour

Posted: May 31, 2025

Video Length: 11:57

Closed Captioning Available: yes

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Kevin Aviance "Pulled" and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” at NightGowns, June 2024

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The renaissance of drag queen legend Kevin Aviance

Source: Washington Post (Audio Feature) News Article

Creator/handle: Janay Kingsberry, Washington Post

Posted: April 28, 2023

Video Length: 11:03 (audio file)

Closed Captioning Available: No

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The renaissance of drag queen legend Kevin Aviance

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Legendary drag queen Kevin Aviance was introduced to a new audience when his ’90s club hit was sampled on Beyonce’s 2022 album, “Renaissance.”

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Becoming Kevin Aviance, Again

Source: News Article

Creator/handle: Steve Weinstein- The Village Voice

Posted: June 12, 2007

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Becoming Kevin Aviance, Again - The Village Voice

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Ever since he stole his mom’s makeup and clothes to perform “I Will Survive” in front of a stunned audience of fellow fourth graders, Kevin Aviance has lived for the stage. All grown up, at six-feet-two-inches, Aviance carved a successful niche for himself in New York’s downtown nightclub scene. If he hadn’t gained the wider […]

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News Coverage of 2006 Hate Crime Against Kevin Aviance

Source: News Article

Creator/handle: New York Daily News

Posted: January 13, 2019 (original release March 22, 2007)

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Four people who were accused of brutally assaulting a nightclub singer and recording artist in the East Village while yelling anti-gay slurs at him pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges related to th…

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Kevin Aviance "Din Da Da"

Source: YouTube (Music Video)

Creator/handle: Kevin Aviance (posted by Ralph TV- Video Director)

Posted: March 29, 2007 (original release 1997)

Video Length: 4:07

Closed Captioning Available: Yes

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Wigstock Kevin Aviance 2006

Source: YouTube (Live Performance Video)

Creator/handle: @nycshows

Posted: April 11, 2010

Video Length: 5:28

Closed Captioning Available: Yes

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Kevin Aviance Reacts to Beyoncé Performing "PURE/HONEY"

Source: TikTok

Creator/handle: Kevin Aviance / @KevinAvianceOffical

Posted: July 14, 2023

Video Length: 0:20

Closed Captioning Available: No

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@kevinavianceofficial

♬ original sound - KevinAvianceOfficial

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Interview Clip from How Do I Look

Source: YouTube

Creator/handle: Preserving Ballroom History / @howdoilookdocumentary

Posted: May 31, 2023 (original interview filmed December 2004)

Video Length: 59:40

Closed Captioning Available: Yes

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Preserving Ballroom History, Wolfgang Busch

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Kevin Aviance interview for How Do I Look documentary, December, 2004

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“Cunty” (1999)

Source: YouTube

Creator/handle: Kevin Aviance (posted by Ralph TV- Video Director)

Posted: October 12, 2006

Video Length: 5:05

Closed Captioning Available: Yes