Harry McAllister, also known as the legendary drag artist Mizz Mae, passed away on Monday, February 24. McAllister, who passed away this week after a short illness, is remembered for being one of the first drag acts and queer icons within the Belfast LGBTQ+ scene.

It was reported that he passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital on February 24.  A death notice released by the family describes him as a “loving son of the late Sarah and Daniel, beloved brother of Sandra, Sharon and Barbara and their families” and a “devoted uncle to all his nephews and nieces”. A funeral service will take place on March 5.

Friends, fans and co-workers of Mizz Mae have paid tribute throughout social media after news of his passing broke, recalling the drag queen’s crucial role in pioneering LGBTQ+ representation in Belfast and paving the way for other drag performers.

Active on the UK scene since the 1960s, Mizz Mae was known for playing at historical venues like The Orpheus and The Crows’ Nest. Appearing recently on the podcast Queeritage, he recalled an LGBTQ+ table talk discussion about having to make his own outfits and change in public toilets on route to gigs and performances.

X user @Judecpl reflected on Mizz Mae’s history within the community, stating: “I sadly never got to see Mizz Mae perform, but I talk about all the bars she performed in on my Queer Heritage walking tour, like the Casanova Club and the Chariot Rooms.”

Tina Leggs Tantrum, fan and co-worker of the late act, told fans: “She was so endearing; a real, old Belfast, backstreet, earthy drag queen. She was just so lovely and a real compassionate person, as Harry too. And she absolutely loved Belfast Pride every year.”

 

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The NI LGBT History Museum released a statement which said it was “with great sadness, that we have heard of the passing of the legendary Mizz Mae, Harry McAllister”.

Gordon Crawford/Trudy Scrumptious said of her time working with Mizz Mae in the 1990s, when they both worked in the renowned Parliament Bar: “I sometimes think that starting drag when I did was brave, but then there was Mizz Mae who had the bravery and originality to stand out from the parapet and be authentically her most fabulous self, decades before I was born.’’

“Whether in drag, as a care worker, or just bumping into Harry, there was a genuinely kind person who was always there to listen or help.”

X user @judecpl further memorialised Harry/Mizz Mae in a tribute post: ‘’Mizz Mae, performed in 1960s Belfast, when homosexuality was criminal and ‘the Troubles” hadn’t started. Harry McAllister was a pioneer for the LGBTQIA+ community. Thinking of his family and friends.’’

The team here at GCN pass on our condolences to Harry/Mizz Mae’s loved ones.