Chelsea Attonley 1983 – 2016

Chelsea Attonley had big hair, big boobs and an even bigger heart. She was known both on the London scene and nationally, as a hilarious and unignorable personality, who stood by her principles and expressed her views with conviction.

Following her sudden death on Friday, some of the gay scene’s best-known names and faces pay tribute to her below. 

 


Chelsea performed at our charity launch in remembrance of Steffan Whitfield in August 2013 at The Wayout Club and was an amazing supporter of Cancer is a Drag – a very special lady!

Alan Bugg, Founder of Cancer is a Drag

 

I’m so sorry to hear such bad news. Chelsea was a lovely personality and when I photographed her she was always so bubbly and full of fun. RIP Chelsea X

Ricky Dixon, Photographer

 

I first met Chelsea standing at the side of the stage in Sackville Gardens where I was performing for Sparkle – the trans-pride event she hosted for many years. Seconds before I went on, she very sternly reminded me that this was a family event and in the interests of public decency, swearing was strictly prohibited. It seems ridiculous now, but at the time I thought her an almost matronly entity chiding me for my potty mouth! Little did I know the hilarious Chelsea was actually in equal parts a generous, sensational and savvy character who knew better than most that life was not to be taken too seriously. Upon experiencing some exposure (good and bad) in the national media after her frequently controversial breast augmentation, Chelsea shared with me her wise thoughts on life in the public eye: ‘‘no press is no press.’’ That’s how I’ll remember her – laughing away and being camp. <3

Vanity Von Glow, Performer

 

Chelsea was a unique person, no matter what she was going through. If you felt down, then BOOM, she made you feel better in an instant. I’ll miss her, I’ll miss our chats, and I’ll miss that wicked sense of humour. RIP my sweet angel. Xx

Jacquie Gilmartin

 

Chelsea was an absolute sweetheart. I’m so, so sad to hear about her passing. It takes so much strength to transition, let alone talk about it publicly, Chelsea was always vocal about her journey and its difficulties, we should remember her for that bravery. Rest in power sister. Xxx

Munroe Bergdorf, Model

 

I met Chelsea about three years ago at a mutual friend’s birthday party and was struck by her unique blend of effervescence (she was the heart and soul of the party) and strong political convictions which were always well considered and thought provoking. Like everyone else she had her own set of life issues but always dealt with them with class and an admirable uncompromising zeal; she was truly unique and will be greatly missed.

Be at peace baby.
Much Tutu Love xxx

Son Of A Tutu, Performer

 

I first met Chelsea as ‘Miss Malibu’ when she was the fierce host of the Sleazesisters club night ‘Revolution’. We hit it off instantly and she soon became the co host of my early Klubkidz parties. Her catchphrase ‘stay fabulous’ was a motto she lived her life by and she was instantly loved by everyone who met her. 100% Glamorous and truly fabulous, the scene has lost a star – ‘’stay fabulous in Heaven Chelsea’

Jason Prince, DJ

 

She was my best friend of 12 years, we spoke everyday about everything and nothing. I feel lost without her and will miss her forever!

Joel Ryder, Photographer

 

•Chelsea planned to have her birthday party this Thursday 4th at The Light Lounge. Meaningfully, it will now serve as her remembrance celebration. So if you’d like to raise a glass to her, head down to The Light Lounge, 1 Newport Place, WC2H 7JR, at 8pm on Thursday. 

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