“Drag Race” Star Jade Sotomayor Remembers Cousin Killed In Orlando Shooting

"This man was amazing. He treated all of us so well," the Season One queen said of Eddie Sotomayor, Jr.
From: NewNowNext

 For Drag Race star Jade Sotomayor, the massacre in Orlando struck close to home: Among those killed was her cousin, Eddie Sotomayor Jr, known around town as “Tophat Eddie.”

Jade—real name David Sotomayor—spoke at a vigil in Chicago’s Boystown on Sunday for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

 I’m pretty sad tonight,” Sotomayor said to the crowd gathered outside Progress Bar. “My cousin Edward was one of the victims, and I cannot even understand why this would happen. This man was amazing. He treated all of us so well. He was just… everything he did, he had a smile on his face.”

Eddie, a brand coordinator for Al and Chuck Travel, was fatally shot in the back while reportedly helping his boyfriend to safety. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for his family.

“[I’m glad] that a group of all you came out here to try to make a difference,” added David, who learned of Eddie’s passing from fans reaching out on social media.

Like many, Sotomayor felt paralyzed by the tragedy, but insisted the community must come together and act.

“We need to make sure that we know that we are here, that we are strong,” he said. “I could not get out the bed, but Progress Bar came and said, let’s make something happen and I know that my cousin Edward would want that.”

“So I combed my hair, I put my weave on, I put my flip flops and my sunglasses on, and I made sure I came out,” he added, “Because, you know what? We stand strong and proud. And they are not gonna ruin our pride—ever. So thank you guys for all being out here tonight.”

Sotomayor has also thanked fans for their support on social media.