Drag Race Down Under favourite Maxi Shield shares cancer diagnosis
Maxi Shield, a fan favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, has revealed she is undergoing treatment for cancer following a recent health scare that led to her withdrawal from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The Australian drag performer had been starring in Fountain Lakes in Lockdown, a drag parody of the cult sitcom Kath & Kim, alongside fellow queen Art Simone. However, she was forced to step back after being hospitalised due to a swollen gland in her throat, which was found to be pressing against vital blood vessels.
In a candid social media post, Maxi confirmed that the swelling was cancerous and outlined her treatment plan, which includes steroids to reduce inflammation, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite the diagnosis, she remains upbeat, telling fans: “There’s an 80% chance this will be fantastic and I’ll be high-kicking and back-flipping like I never used to.”
Support has poured in from the drag community and fans worldwide, with a fundraising campaign already raising thousands to assist with her medical costs and recovery. Maxi expressed heartfelt thanks for the love and encouragement, saying, “The support has been overwhelming. I’m a tough old bird and I’ll get through this.”
She also added a touch of humour, promising not to shave her eyebrows or beard until she’s fully recovered.
Performances of Fountain Lakes in Lockdown are expected to resume later this year in Australia.
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