A beloved RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under contestant has passed away aged 51. Maxi Shield died just five months after publicly revealing their cancer diagnosis.
They were scheduled to appear at Sydney's Mardi Gras, with the performance advertised on social media just three days prior to the heartbreaking announcement. Fellow drag performer Wigs By Vanity broke the devastating news via Instagram, posting: "It's with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our dearest sister, Maxine, has passed away. We are all mourning the loss of an incredible icon, friend, and our beloved sister. Thank you for the laughs, the cackles, and the magic you brought into our lives." They continued: "I will cherish every second of our 30-year friendship, and I'm so grateful that I was a part of your chosen family. You will be forever loved and deeply missed. I love you old girl." Drag performer Universal Sydney also released a statement, as they said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of our beloved Maxi Shield's passing.
"In all my years in this community, there has never been a time I can remember when Maxi wasn't an iconic presence (and she'd absolutely smack you for reminding her of that).
"Maxi worked across every queer venue in Sydney, touching hearts not only across the country but around the world through her appearance on Drag Race Down Under.
"This Mardi Gras will feel different. It will be more solemn, as so many of us gather carrying the space left by her smile, her quick wit, and her remarkable spirit."
Five months earlier, whilst at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Maxi disclosed they'd experienced a "very scary" health scare. The performer was admitted to hospital following an "issue with a swollen gland" compressing blood vessels in their neck.
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Maxi subsequently confirmed that examinations revealed "this little swollen thing on the side of my throat is cancer" with a "70-80 percent treatment rate."
They had been receiving chemotherapy in an attempt to reduce the tumour, with the most recent course commencing in January.
On January 30, they shared: "We are stronger we think! This is my 29th day since my last treatment. As you know, the first few weeks were tough.
"It's probably the worst I've felt over this whole experience. But each day I'm feeling a little better... still coughing like a lunatic and predominantly relying on the 'rig / tube' for food / supplements.
"Hopefully in 4ish weeks that will change, but like everything, it's baby steps and listen to your body."
