Spotlight: Maple Queef
Curated by Kevin Blondin
“Get Ready For A Maple Staple!”
Meet Maple Queef, also known as Mx Maple for family-friendly events, a 23-year-old AFAB drag queen hailing from Dorchester, ON, and now representing London, ON. With a name born out of a sleepless night and a play on Maple Leaf, Maple Queef brings a unique blend of comedy, glamour, and boldness to the drag scene. As our July 2024 Spotlight Artist, we delve into the world of Maple Queef to uncover what makes this ethereal performer truly shine.
The Ethereal Godx of London’s Drag Scene
From Dorchester to London: The Rise of Maple Queef
At 23 years old, Maple Queef, or Mx Maple for family-friendly events, is already making waves in the drag community. Born and raised in Dorchester, ON, Maple now calls London, ON home. Their drag name, a playful take on Maple Leaf, came to them in the wee hours of the morning and has since become synonymous with a unique brand of comedic, glamorous, and bold performances.
Inspiration and Community
Maple Queef’s Instagram handle, @thatqueefmaple, is a testament to their quirky and unapologetic style. Inspired by the likes of Taylor Swift, who they suggest you listen to while reading this feature, Maple’s love for animals, drag, and the pop icon herself is evident in their vibrant performances. When asked about their biggest inspiration, Maple doesn't hesitate to point to their community. "We need positive queer and non-binary representation now more than ever, and I feel honoured to get to be that representation," they say.
Achievements and Aesthetic
Maple’s aesthetic is as fluid and dynamic as their performances. Describing their look as “ethereal vibes,” they see themselves as the Godx of their own universe, constantly evolving and presenting in different forms. Their signature style includes an ungodly amount of blush and distinctive eye makeup, often forgoing black products unless going for a smoky eye look.
One of Maple’s proudest achievements in drag is being awarded the title of London Pride Ambassador, a testament to their impact and dedication to the community. Performing at Toronto Pride this year stands as another highlight, showcasing their talents on a larger stage.
Versatile Performances and Memorable Moments
Maple’s favourite drag memories are tied to unique and lively events. They recall performing at Shrek Rave and Big Bubble Rave in Toronto as some of the most exhilarating experiences, with the crowd’s energy being unforgettable. It’s these moments that highlight why Maple loves drag so much: the opportunity to be 100% authentically themselves, shedding the masks worn in daily life.
Representation and Future Aspirations
The message Maple aims to convey through their drag is one of self-acceptance and belonging. "No matter who you are, or where in your journey you’re at, you are enough and you have a place in this world," they affirm. Looking ahead, Maple hopes to see themselves on a TV screen, using their platform to advocate for AFAB enbies in the drag scene, a group often underrepresented.
Leading with Kindness and Breaking Barriers
Maple Queef’s charisma is rooted in kindness. They strive to lead with empathy and compassion, recognizing the struggles many face. Their uniqueness shines through not just in their performances but also in their leadership. Maple is the OG enby AFAB performer in London and recently established the first all AFAB Enby Haus in Southwestern Ontario.
With six years of experience, Maple has proven they have the nerve to continue thriving in a community that hasn’t always been welcoming to non-cisgender gay men. Their talents extend beyond lip-syncing to live singing, a skill they are particularly proud of.
Looking Forward: Tree Haus and Future Projects
Recently, Maple founded Tree Haus, their drag Haus, and launched their own production company, Tap That Tree Productions. These ventures signify Maple’s dedication to fostering a supportive and creative environment for other performers.
For bookings, Maple can be reached via Instagram @thatqueefmaple or by email at tapthattreeproductions@gmail.com.
Catch Maple Queef at the highly anticipated YOUphoria event in Sarnia on July 13th at Imperial City Brewhouse. Performing alongside drag icons Kylie Sonique Love and The Girlfriend Experience, Maple Queef promises a night of unforgettable performances. YOUphoria, featuring an all trans and non-binary cast, is a must-attend event this summer. Don’t miss out on the magic—see you there!
BIO
Mother of Tree Haus and London’s self proclaimed relatable content queen, Maple Queef is the non-binary gender gremlin you didn’t know you wanted and can’t seem to get rid of. At the ripe old age of 23 they are one of London’s OG AFAB queens and believes very strongly in creating opportunities in the drag world for gender diverse performers.
When they’re not serving sticky, sweet, and sexy on stage, they keep busy pursuing a Bachelor’s in Human Rights Studies and Creative Writing at King’s University College in London.
You can keep up with their drag adventures, activism and their many, MANY memes on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook by following @thatqueefmaple