Mike Hooves 1992 - 2026
We were heartbroken this week to hear about Mike’s unfair and untimely passing. Mike Hooves was a rare and beautiful human being who turned their devastating cancer diagnosis into love, advocacy and support for other people in similar circumstances. This intentional generosity touched so many lives, not least ours at QC. Mike’s spirit lingers in our work, in our research, our stories and on our office walls.
We will remember them with so much love for their creativity, humour and fierce queer pride. Our hearts are with their family, friends and loved ones. We couldn’t honour them better than Mike’s wife Bryce so we’ve re-posted her tribute to Mike below.
Image: Mike’s Instagram
“It is with profound and sadness and disbelief that we say goodbye to beloved Calgary visual artist and drag performer, Mike Hooves, whose cancer journey peacefully concluded on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 while surrounded by the care and compassion of their loved ones.
Fiercely and unapologetically non-binary, Mike will be remembered as a vibrant personality and an undeniable talent. Even through hardship and illness, they were a triumphant beacon of queer joy and creativity.
A graduate of Alberta University of the Arts, Mike developed a unique artistic voice and successful arts practice. As an illustrator and muralist, Mike left indelible marks throughout Calgary. Following the completion of their first mural in 2020 as part of the palimpshed project, Mike grew to be a prolific name in public art. Some notable pieces include the Hello Vintage facade in Inglewood, “Lone United” for Calgary Pride, “Vivid” for Alberta University of the Arts, as well as numerous Roadworks murals for BUMP Festival Arts Society that are displayed throughout the city.
Mike’s art wasn’t limited by medium, and they found personal and artistic fulfilment through their webcomic Enby Breast Cancer (2023), numerous entries in the Quickdraw Animation Society Lockdown series, installations such as Trans Is A Flower (2022) and Rhinestone Cowfolx (2026—on display until October 2026 at Werklund Centre as well their short films G.E.M. (2017) and Polymorph (2017), the latter of which screened at BFI Flare in London, and featured cinematography from Mike’s partner of 10 years, and eventual wife, Bryce.
An exceptionally talented drag performer, Mike’s persona Mx Jendr brought joy and charisma to stages throughout the city, and resulted in the creation of Drag Sings alongside Kenna Burima, a revue show that showcases the talented voices of Calgary’s incredible drag performers.
In Mike’s spirit of generosity, please consider donating to the organizations that Mike held dearest, including Young Adult Cancer Canada, Queering Cancer, Wellspring Alberta and Skipping Stone. A special thank you to the Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre and Foothills Hospital for taking care of Mike along their cancer journey.”
Image: enby breast cancer (Mike Hooves)
Donations in Mike’s memory are welcomed. All funds go towards supporting our mission to improve cancer care for 2SLGBTQI+ people.