This “Genderless” Japanese Celebrity Has Been Found Dead At Age 27
A TV personality, model and LGBTQ activist, Ryuchell helped to popularize the “genderless” fashion subculture in Japan.
Ryuchell, a “genderless” Japanese celebrity, has been found dead at age 27.
Ryuchell, whose full name is Ryuji Higa, was found unconscious by their manager at their agency office in Tokyo on Wednesday July 12.
Local media reported that police said the cause of death appeared to be suicide.
A TV personality, model and LGBTQ activist, Ryuchell helped to popularize the “genderless” fashion subculture in Japan.
In the subculture, people style themselves androgynously without trying to pass as another gender or declaring themselves transgender.
In August 2022, Ryuchell announced they no longer identified as a man or a husband and divorced their wife, Peco, who is also an influencer.
Following the divorce, Ryuchell began presenting as a woman but did not publicly identify as transgender.
Throughout their life, Ryuchell faced constant harassment and bullying for not conforming to gender stereotypes.
Ryuchell is survived by Peco and their five-year-old son.
If you need to speak to someone, international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
