Courtney Act: The Iconic Drag Queen Who Continues to Break Barriers

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by Rose Kay

If you live in Australia, consume reality TV and you haven’t heard of Courtney Act, then you’ve might be living under a rock.

The Australian drag queen, singer, and TV personality has been making waves in the entertainment industry for years. With her unique blend of talent, humour, and activism, she’s become a household name around the world.

Below, we delve into how Courtney Act rose to fame, her time on “Australian Idol”, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and her work in LGBTQIA+ awareness.

How Did Courtney Act Rise to Fame?

Before rising to international fame on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Courtney Act first caught the public’s attention in Australia as a contestant on the second season of “Australian Idol” in 2003.

At the time, Courtney Act went by her birth name, Shane Jenek, and competed as a male vocalist. She made it to the semi-finals of the competition and was praised for her powerful voice and stage presence.

However, her time on “Australian Idol” was not without its challenges. Courtney Act faced criticism and scrutiny from some viewers and media outlets for her androgynous appearance and non-traditional gender expression.

Despite this, Courtney Act’s stint on “Australian Idol” was a pivotal moment in her career. It gave her a platform to showcase her talent to a national audience and helped to break down barriers for LGBTQIA+ performers in the Australian music industry.

In retrospect, Courtney Act has spoken candidly about her time on “Australian Idol” and how it influenced her journey towards drag and gender-fluid performance. She’s credited the experience with giving her the confidence to explore different aspects of her identity and express herself more fully as an artist.

Courtney Act officially rose to fame on the sixth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2014. Despite not winning the competition, she quickly became a fan favourite for her stunning looks, quick wit, and infectious personality.

Following her time on “Drag Race,” Courtney Act continued to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She released several successful singles, including “Ugly” and “Body Parts,” and even represented Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019.

In the same year, Courtney Act made history as the first drag queen to compete on the Australian version of “Dancing with the Stars.” Alongside her dance partner, Joshua Keefe, she impressed audiences with her talent and used the platform to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and raise awareness of social issues. Her participation helped to normalise non-traditional gender expressions in mainstream media and showcased the versatility and creativity of drag performers.

What Are Courtney Act’s Pronouns?

Courtney Act is a gender-fluid performer who uses both she/her and he/him pronouns. In an interview with Cosmopolitan UK, she explained, “I don’t really identify as a man or a woman. I’m somewhere in between, or a combination of the two.”

She went on to say that while she’s comfortable with either set of pronouns, she prefers “she/her” when she’s in drag, and “he/him” when she’s out of drag. “When I’m Courtney, I’m she/her, and when I’m Shane, I’m he/him,” she said.

Courtney Act’s use of non-traditional pronouns has helped to raise awareness of gender fluidity and non-binary identities. She’s been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and has used her platform to promote acceptance and inclusion for all.

In conclusion, Courtney Act is a trailblazing performer who continues to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes. With her talent, humour, and activism, she’s become an icon in the entertainment industry and a role model for countless people around the world.

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