From Maxi to Mini

One of Sydney’s most beloved drag queens and Sydney Star Observer columnist Maxi Shield isn’t necessarily angling for a career in Hollywood, but she is certainly excited about her big screen debut.

Shield is the star of a new film, From Maxi to Mini, tracing her remarkable journey to lose 15kg in 12 weeks to fit into her fabulous frock -” the same one Liz Hurley wore to the Oscars -” for the drag Oscars -” the DIVAS.

The frockumentary sees Shield throw caution to the wind by allowing cameras to track her weight loss success -” all the while realising it may well end up a weight loss failure.

I love a challenge, and weight has always been an issue for me, Shield said.

I have kept the original weight off, though it’s still very hard, but just day-to-day life is different now.

I very much [felt the pressure], but that was good. One thing I do lack in weight loss is willpower and with so many witnesses, I sort of had to put my money where my mouth was.

Making a name for herself with self-effacing fat-chick gags, Shield’s comedic persona and on stage fabulosity have not changed a drop.

My humour hasn’t really changed. I try to make fun at myself most of the time, weight is an easy target, but now I have to look at different things to pick on, she said.

Gyms in general can be very funny to observe.

Maxi said along with the obvious health benefits, she has noticed a string of other great positives as a result of transforming her body.

I have seen boys looking at me differently, she said. I’ve gone from someone who just blended in when I was in casual clothing to someone who gets looks from boys. When I realised that it was great and exciting.

So with the slew of weight loss programs and quick fixes out there, does the now fabulously slim diva have any advice for other people struggling with their weight?

Don’t be scared, gyms look scary but bite the bullet and join, you will be surprised, she said. The treadmill is part of my daily routine.

From Maxi to Mini will have its world premiere at City Gym on Saturday 28 June. Details: 8218 2109.