Kevin Aviance “lucky to be alive” following pneumonia diagnosis

Drag artist and club legend Kevin Aviance was hospitalised over the weekend following a “very serious health scare”, his family have said.

According to a statement issued via Instagram on Monday (May 26), Kevin began experiencing breathing difficulties over the weekend that was first thought to be an asthma attack.

“Believing it would pass, he waited… but things quickly took a turn for the worse,” his family and team wrote in the statement. “Kevin was rushed to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with septic poisoning and pneumonia.”

They explained that Kevin is “incredible lucky to be alive”, and remains in hospital where he’s currently on oxygen and being “closely monitored”.

“If all continues to go well, he is expected to be released in the next 2–3 days,” they wrote. “This is an emotional time for Kevin, his family, and all of us who love him. It’s a reminder that health is everything.”

Pioneering drag star Kevin Aviance first emerged in Washington D.C.’s queer nightlife scene in the 1980s before moving to New York, where he became part of House of Aviance, one of the most eminent vogue-ball houses in the US.

There, he won several nightlife personality awards and went on to work with artists including Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston, releasing numerous Billboard number one hits such as ‘Rhythm Is My Bitch’ and ‘Give It Up’.

“Please continue to keep Kevin in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers,” the statement finishes. “Your love and energy mean the world to him.”

Read the full statement from Kevin’s team and family below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter