UK’s oldest drag queen who was ‘trailblazer’ for LGBTQ+ community dies aged 91

Britain’s oldest performing drag queen has passed away aged 91.

David Raven, also known by his stage name Maisie Trolette, performed drag for more than five decades, and had been a fixture of Brighton Pride since 1973 when the event was first held in the city.

Widely regarded as a legend within the LGBT+ community, he was revered for his razor sharp wit, dynamic singing voice and cantankerous personality.

Born in 1933, David’s career began as one half of the drag duo The Trollettes with Jimmy Court. Raven was seen as a trailblazing figure in the drag scene, and regularly performed at venues including The Black Cap and the RVT, the Argus reports.

He was also a fixture on the pantomine circuit and performed with many A-list celebrities who he was proud to call close friends.