Friends and loved ones of journalist and LGBT+ activist Dean Eastmond have spoken about the impact he had on their lives before passing away this week at the age of 21.
Eastmond founded the HISKIND magazine and wrote a column about his battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma—recently mentioning how he received support from singer Troye Sivan.
“Troye stopped and noticed me, made a difference that could save my life and proved with his modesty, without a fanfare, that he truly is a hero of the LGBTQ community and beyond,” Eastmond wrote in July.
Sivan tweeted after hearing the news of Eastmond’s passing: So sad to wake up to this news today. Dean was an inspiration to all of us. Sending so much love to his family and to you, @adamadzp."
Eastmond’s boyfriend Adam Packer has appeared on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire program to talk about the legacy he leaves behind.
“He’s the lip-syncing twinkle in my eye,” Packer said. “He’ll always be the person who wears glitter and fights for what’s right and doesn’t take anything that he shouldn’t.
Packer added that by writing about his illness, he gave people an “accessible” and “first hand” account about a cancer experience.
“I think Dean gave that really frank and honest view through his writing and through his column, which gave him power.”
A number of RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, as well as Olly Alexander and Gok Wan have paid tribute to the young activist on Twitter.
Before he passed away, Eastmond spent the afternoon with Charlie Hides, receiving a Drag Race makeover.
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