The cultural icon was best known for being part of the Cock Destroyers alongside Rebecca Moore, which saw the two collaborate on everything from pornographic content to educational videos about sexual health.
“I’m devastated hearing the awful news of Sophie’s passing,” Rebecca wrote on social media on 4 December.
“We shared some amazing times together and that’s how I’m going to remember her.
“The bubbly, funny, kind-hearted soul who was outrageous on the outside but so gentle behind closed doors.
“We were very close, and we shared a crazy time together that was totally unique to us. That’s how I will remember her.
“This is so tragic but I know you are now at peace. I will always love you and hold a special place in my heart.”
Whether it was the, “Fuck, it’s a Sunday!” clip or the endless reaction videos that circulate Twitter daily, Sophie was known by all for her candid nature and ability to never take herself too seriously.
She was a fearless advocate of LGBTQIA+ rights and was a true trailblazer in her approach to normalising discussions about sex work, sexual health and everything in-between.
“Her heart overflowed with love for others”
Christine Neubeiser, Director of Fundraising at leading sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, remembered Sophie for her fundraising efforts and attempts to destigmatise HIV.
“All of us at Terrence Higgins Trust were so sad to hear about the death of Sophie Anderson,” she told GAY TIMES.
“She will be dearly missed and our thoughts are with her family and friends. Sophie, together with Rebecca More, has done so much to support people living with and affected by HIV, from taking on challenges like the Red Run to selling merchandise and donating the profits to Terrence Higgins Trust.
“Sophie and Rebecca have been such staunch allies by shouting about all the progress we’ve made around HIV to their many, many followers in order to make a real difference in tackling HIV stigma.”
Christina-Jae Angel, a longtime friend of Sophie’s, shared her devastation over the news with GAY TIMES.
“Sophie didn’t just love. She was love,” they explained. “And through everything – the good, the bad, the tragic, the beautiful – her heart overflowed with love for others.
“You weren’t just a friend to Soph, you were family. And though her life could be chaotic, dramatic and insanity, she laughed hard and smiled wide through it. Regardless of what she was going through, she would put you first and want to fix your problems, and for that moment in doing so, she shone brighter than she knew she could.
“As a BIPOC trans woman and sex worker that has been struggling to get the gender-affirming healthcare I need, she held my hand through it, saw me as nothing else other than her ‘beautiful girlie’ and cried tears of joy when my GP finally referred me to the GIC, promising to be by my side at the first appointment – ‘even if it is in seven years babes, I’ll be there!’ – she wanted nothing but for everybody to feel loved.
“I haven’t just lost a friend, but a sister, and through the darkness the entire queer and sex worker communities will be feeling right now, please let her spirit shine as bright as it always did.”
Christina-Jae Angel
Sophie had an undeniable impact on pop culture both in the UK and beyond, with her work inspiring an array of entertainers, performers and artists.
She starred in both Slag Wars: The Next Destroyer and Fucking Smart, as well as appearing on various podcasts and series discussing her life and experiences in the adult entertainment industry.
Drag Race UK star Divina De Campo, who won a challenge based on the Cock Destroyers, said they were “so incredibly sad” to learn of Sophie’s passing.
So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of darling Sophie Anderson. She was outrageous but she was also incredibly sweet and a continuous advocate for those in the LGBTQ+ community and her industry. A genuinely sweet soul. Rest in peace darling ❤️🖤🩵🤎🤍🩶💜💙💚💛🧡🩷 pic.twitter.com/iVRKUrmGRf
— Divina De Campo stream DECODED (@Divinadecampo) December 5, 2023
“She was outrageous but she was also incredibly sweet and a continuous advocate for those in the LGBTQ+ community and her industry,” they wrote on social media. “A genuinely sweet soul. Rest in peace darling.”
Hanna, a friend of Sophie’s who first came across her content online, said she will always remember her for the way she tried to “uplift” others.
“One day I liked a video she posted about mental health and she actually checked up on me, on a day that was particularly hard,” she told GAY TIMES. “It was one of my hardest times so the fact she was there for me was so heart warming and I could never forget it and we had chats that got longer over the years. My point is, she cared deeply about everyone and was such a gentle soul alongside her extroverted fun persona, she was a genuine sweetheart. She really was an advocate for mental health and positivity.”
See how others paid tribute to Sophie below.
Sophie Anderson, social media superstar and 1/2 of the C*ck Destroyers, has passed away. She was a champion of sex positivity, an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and a truly joyous member of the community.
Rest in peace, Sophie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uyXiFHJ2kV
— World of Wonder (@WorldOfWonder) December 5, 2023
We’re so sad to hear about the death of Sophie Anderson.
Sophie and Rebecca have done so much to support our work — taking on challenges to raise money and tackle HIV stigma.
This is how we will remember Sophie 👇 pic.twitter.com/kLif04Dk93
— Terrence Higgins Trust (@THTorguk) December 5, 2023
The Cock Destroyers were a cultural reset for the the guys, girlies and non binary friends.
Sex positive with oodles of camp.Beyond the memes, she was clearly a sweet soul who needed and deserved love.
RIP Sophie Anderson ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dzdW2D2cFr
— 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 (@Holestar) December 5, 2023
Sophie was a gorgeous person. She would occasionally DM me about music or songs she liked. Take a look at this list of her faves. Kurt Cobain. Mac Miller. Chester Bennington.. it’s really heartbreaking.
I hope she’s remembered for her amazing light 💔https://t.co/AO6alfyBOl pic.twitter.com/wYSYwydFjT
— Tom Aspaul (@tom_aspaul) December 5, 2023
Life was alot simpler when Twitter was just filled with Cock Destroyer memes
RIP Sophie Anderson x pic.twitter.com/trX12qEGPM
— charlie ☮️ (@charliequinn99) December 5, 2023
i remember sophie anderson gave me money to pay for my boob job when i wasn’t gonna be able to afford it 💔 she helped me become the woman i am today & i will always hold that dearly in my heart
— CHASE ICON (@chaseicon) December 5, 2023
The gays made Sophie Anderson an icon and she not only ran with it she spent the rest of her life dedicated to LGBTQ+ activism. Always outspoken for trans rights and a true sweetheart. May she rest in the peace she deserves and her titties never explode in heaven ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tX558t90ic
— 💜🐝 (@tulipsndbees) December 5, 2023
Desperately sad to hear about Sophie Anderson. Becoming a queer icon overnight and doing so much good for people that work in the sex industry all while having her tongue firmly planted in her cheek. Was lucky enough to meet her once & the warmth she exuded was off the scale. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jA5ELSIawY
— Dan Ellis (@dgellis0907) December 5, 2023
Sophie Anderson went through so much in her life and yet she managed to be so happy and spread that positivity around. She cared so much about the LGBTQ community and she was kind and made time for everyone. I choose to remember her this way. We will miss you queen 🩷
— EJ ✨ (@dizzlekickss) December 5, 2023
RIP Sophie Anderson. This is a devastating loss, Sophie was a light and ray of sunshine and wanted the best for everyone. I’m so gutted. pic.twitter.com/Y0BwV4n8li
— ✨the soccer mom from HELL✨ (@cicaforever_) December 5, 2023
Sophie Anderson was a ray of light in this dark world.
Her joy and positivity will never be forgotten. She was so open about her mental health and her videos were genuinely helpful to a lot of people. Her impact on queer culture was immeasurable.
Thoughts are with her family. pic.twitter.com/0o0jzkzLur
— i hate m☆tthew (@matthewilson96) December 5, 2023
Sophie Anderson passing away is just so awful. She spread so many beautiful messages about hanging in there and trying to remain positive in darkness, not to mention she was a champion for sex workers and the queer community. So unfair when such a ray of light is lost.
— j ✨ (@jjc094) December 5, 2023
Gosh. I’ve just seen that Sophie Anderson (@SophieASlut) has died.
I’ll always remember the few times we met, she was so warm and kind.
She also did so much to help educate the general public on HIV through her’s and Rebecca’s Sex Education special.
Rest in peace bbz x
— Tom (PositiveLad) 🏳️🌈 (@PositiveLad) December 5, 2023
It’s so sad to hear about Sophie. yeah we all enjoyed the memes, but such a funny, sincere loving spirit too. was listening to this again this morning. a sex positive and queer icon 💜https://t.co/UffwtdOhHd
— 𝑆𝐼𝐴𝑁 𝑇𝐻𝑌𝑀𝐸𝑆 🥂 (@SianThymes) December 5, 2023