Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has announced that beloved Sydney drag performer Maxi Shield will be honoured during Saturday’s Mardi Gras Parade, following her passing earlier this week.
In a statement shared on Instagram, organisers wrote:
“Further to the devestating (sic) news of Maxi Shield’s passing we will be paying tribute to her in this Saturday’s Parade. We’ll be paying tribute on the route and holding space to remember a performer who helped shape our stages and our spirits.”
Maxi Shield, whose real name was Kristopher Elliot, was a towering presence in Australia’s drag community for more than two decades. Long before stepping onto the international platform of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, she had already cemented her reputation as a performer deeply committed to inclusion, celebration and community-building.
Her list of achievements was remarkable. Maxi appeared in the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the opening ceremony of the Gay Games 2002 — landmark cultural moments that underscored her influence and visibility.
Community Mourning and Global Tributes
News of Maxi’s death due to complications from cancer treatment has prompted an outpouring of grief from across Australia and beyond. Fellow performers, fans and community leaders have shared tributes celebrating her warmth, humour and fierce advocacy.
“A true Sydney institution and much-loved darling of our community, her presence was radiant and her legacy everlasting,” said fellow queen Joyce Maynge.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Maxi’s partner, David, alongside queens Tora Hymen, Vanity and Jacquie St Hyde, to assist with funeral and memorial costs.
“We are raising funds to cover funeral and memorial costs, and to give Maxi the send-off she deserves, one that reflects the colour, pride, and power she brought into our world.”
Within 24 hours, the fundraiser had raised nearly $40,000 — a testament to the profound love and respect she inspired.
In a message shared on the fundraising page, organisers wrote:
“Our beloved Maxi passed away following complications from cancer treatment. She fought with everything she had.
Maxi wasn’t just a drag superstar. She was an icon, a worldwide superstar, a sister, a loud laugh in a quiet room, and a fierce advocate for her community. She gave her time, her talent and her heart to so many of us. She built us up and was the heartbeat of our community. She made us feel seen. She reminded us to be bold, and to take up space. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.”
A Fitting Tribute
Saturday’s Mardi Gras Parade will now include a tribute along the route, offering the community an opportunity to collectively honour a performer who helped define Sydney’s drag scene for a generation.
As Mardi Gras takes to the streets, it will do so carrying the memory of a queen whose impact stretched far beyond the stage — and whose legacy will continue to shape Australia’s LGBTQIA+ culture for years to come.
