No cause of death has been announced but Shield had been diagnosed with throat cancer, which she had documented on social media since last September.
Born Kristopher Elliot, the performer rose to international fame after appearing on the first season of Drag Race Down Under, based in New Zealand, where she finished sixth.
The winner of the season, Kita Mean, said they were devastated by the loss.
“You are the kindest queen that has ever been. Your love for drag, your wicked sense of humour, your giving spirit. There will forever be a void in my heavy heart where your fabulousness hit me like a tonne of bricks,” Mean wrote on Facebook.
Your “strength over the last few months has been incomprehensible and I will go forward with such pride in my heart knowing I was friends with the best sister in the business. I love you so much,” said Mean.
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage posted a message of condolence on social media.
“I loved this queen. A glorious human on the inside and out. Your love, heart, talent and energy will be missed...” said Visage.
“Rest in power, my angel, you were truly one of a kind.”
Shield was an icon in the gay and drag scene in Australia.
She performed at the closing ceremony at the 2000 Olympic Games and opened the Gay Games in 2002.
She was a regular feature at venues along Oxford St, a hotspot for LGBTQI+ venues in Sydney.
According to Shield’s Instagram, even with her cancer she performed twice this month at two clubs in Sydney.
Shield documented her journey with cancer on her Instagram using the phrase: “We are stronger than we think!”
“So all completed the 35 radiations plus 5 chemo. And to be honest the last couple of weeks I’ve been really rough,” Shield said on January 5.
“If you’re going through this journey, the same as me, I’m sending huge Maxi love. And if you’ve gone through this process a huge hug for your bravery.
“Our community is strong, especially when we stay together... We are stronger than we think!”
