Paul O’Grady honoured with Rainbow Plaque at former Lambeth home

A new Rainbow Plaque commemorating the life and legacy of entertainer Paul O’Grady has been unveiled at his former home in Lambeth.

The plaque, installed at Victoria Mansions on South Lambeth Road, marks the decade O’Grady spent living there between 1985 and 1995 - a formative period during which he rose to prominence on London’s drag circuit as his iconic alter ego, Lily Savage.

During that time, O’Grady became a regular and much-loved performer at venues including the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the Elephant and Castle, the Market Tavern and the Two Brewers, helping to shape the capital’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene.

It was also in Lambeth where he honed the sharp wit and character that would later propel him to national and international fame as a comedian, author and broadcaster. O’Grady died in 2023, leaving behind a career that spanned decades of radio, television and live performance.

Speaking at the unveiling, O’Grady’s husband, André Portasio, said the plaque was an important recognition of both his personal journey and his wider cultural impact.

“I am beyond delighted to celebrate Paul’s legacy with the Rainbow Plaque, honouring his vital contributions to LGBTQ+ heritage and visibility,” he said.

“This plaque, positioned at his old flat in Lambeth, not only commemorates his remarkable journey at the grassroots level but also serves as a reminder of our shared history.”

O’Grady was widely regarded not only as a pioneering entertainer but also as an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare. During the 1980s and 1990s, he used his platform to challenge stigma and discrimination, particularly during the HIV/AIDS crisis and the era of Section 28.

He was also a familiar presence at London Pride events, regularly appearing on main stages when celebrations were held in Lambeth parks including Kennington Park, Brockwell Park and Clapham Common.

Stephen Richards aka Lola Lasagne, a performer who appeared on the drag circuit at the same time as O’Grady, said he remained a lasting inspiration. “Paul was an inspiration to me, bringing Lily to life with outrageous tales, which fully made him into the star he became,” he said.

“This plaque is a thank you and a reminder as to how important he was and is to the LGBTQ+ community.”

The Rainbow Plaque forms part of a wider initiative to highlight sites of significance in LGBTQ+ history. It has been delivered in partnership with Lambeth Council and the Rainbow Plaque project, recognising O’Grady’s contribution to both the borough and the broader community.

The unveiling places his Lambeth home firmly within the capital’s LGBTQ+ cultural heritage, celebrating a figure whose influence continues to be felt across entertainment and activism.