The beloved drag queen Maxi Shield has passed away, aged 51.
Maxi had recently returned to work following her battle with cancer.
Strutting for 29 years, Maxi was a regular presence in Sydney’s gay bars. It was revealed in September last year that she was undergoing cancer treatment after stepping away from her role as Sharon Strzelecki in the Kath & Kim drag parody Fountain Lakes in Lockdown during the Edinburgh Fringe.
She took to Instagram at the time to say she had an issue with a swollen gland, which was later revealed to be cancer.
“It’s a little bit crazy, but there’s an 80% chance that this is all going to be fantastic and I’m going to be high-kicking and backflipping like I used to,” she said.
She had just returned to work, telling Gay Sydney Daily at the time that she was so grateful to her fans.
“How the community had embraced me and this journey is overwhelming. They truly have helped me get through this. I honestly love each and every one,” she said.
Tributes have already begun to flow in for the icon.
“Maxi was a big personality with a heart of gold. I’m heartbroken that the world won’t get to see this legend light up a stage again… She was a force. She was brilliant. And I will miss my friend dearly,” said Universal Licensee Dillon Shaw.
“Fly high Maxine x My heart is broken,” said Jacqui St Hyde.
“Rest in Pride,” said Vybe.
Vale Maxi Shield.
