Bloody Glorious: A Tribute to Maxi Shield

A community exhibition for Maxi Shield (Kris Elliot), the Ballina-born queen who won over Sydney's toughest pub crowds, wrote for the gay press and appeared on the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under before her death in February 2026. Everything on show comes from Maxi's own dressing room, kept by her friend Jacqui St Hyde: her iconic looks, her original dressing table, photographs and keepsakes. Visitors are invited to leave memories and messages for Maxi. Developed with her drag family, including Jacqui St Hyde, Sheila Bliege, Tora Hymen and Vanity, and curated by Jeremy Smith. Opens Tuesday 3 November for a limited time; Qtopia is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30am to 4:30pm, and entry is included in a Qtopia exhibitions ticket.