Shea Couleé
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Jaren Kyei Merrell (born February 8, 1989), known professionally as Shea Couleé, is an American
drag queen A drag queen is a person, usually male, who uses Drag (entertainment), drag clothing and makeup to imitate and often exaggerate Femininity, female gender signifiers and gender roles for entertainment purposes. Historically, drag queens have ...
, singer, rapper, actor, podcaster, and fixture of the
Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
nightlife scene. Born in
Warsaw, Indiana Warsaw is a city in and the county seat of Kosciusko County, Indiana, United States. Warsaw has a population of 15,804 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. Warsaw also borders a smaller town, Winona Lake. Etymology Warsaw, named after the capital of ...
, they began their drag career in 2012. In 2017, Couleé achieved international fame after competing on season nine of ''
RuPaul's Drag Race ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' is an American reality competition television series, the first in the Drag Race (franchise), ''Drag Race'' franchise, produced by World of Wonder (company), World of Wonder for Logo TV (season 1–8), WOW Presents Plus, ...
'', placing in the top four. In 2020, Couleé won the fifth season of ''
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars ''RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars'' is an American reality competition spin off edition of the original ''RuPaul's Drag Race'', which is produced by World of Wonder, for Logo TV and later VH1. The show premiered on October 22, 2012, on Logo TV, ...
''. Couleé later returned to compete on the all-winners seventh season of ''RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars'' in 2022, once again placing in the top four. In 2016, Couleé co-produced, directed, wrote, and starred in ''Lipstick City''. In 2017, Couleé released their debut EP, '' Couleé-D'', along with accompanying music videos. Since then, Couleé has continued their musical career, starred in their
web series A web series (also known as webseries, short-form series, and web show) is a series of short scripted or non-scripted online videos, generally in episodic form, released on the Internet (i.e. World Wide Web), which first emerged in the late 1 ...
, podcast, and has embarked on domestic and international tours, including Werq the World, Haters Roast, and A Drag Queen Christmas.


Early life and education

Merrell was born to William and Marilyn Elaine Merrell in
Warsaw, Indiana Warsaw is a city in and the county seat of Kosciusko County, Indiana, United States. Warsaw has a population of 15,804 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. Warsaw also borders a smaller town, Winona Lake. Etymology Warsaw, named after the capital of ...
and raised in
Plainfield, Illinois Plainfield is a village (Illinois), village in Will County, Illinois, Will and Kendall County, Illinois, Kendall counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 44,762 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. It is part of the C ...
. The youngest of five children, their mother was a minister. Their father passed away on January 31, 2017. Couleé has performed in theater since the age of nine. They graduated with a degree in costume design from
Columbia College Chicago Columbia College Chicago is a Private college, private art college in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1890, it has 6,493 students (as of fall 2021) pursuing degrees in more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It i ...
in 2011. In their sophomore year, they were cast in ''Ten Square''. During their senior year at Columbia, they were the lead designer on Shakespeare's ''
The Winter's Tale ''The Winter's Tale'' is a play by William Shakespeare originally published in the First Folio of 1623. Although it was grouped among the comedies, many modern editors have relabelled the play as one of Shakespeare's late romances. Some criti ...
''.


Career


''RuPaul's Drag Race''

After auditioning five times, every year since they started doing drag Couleé became one of 14 queens to compete on the ninth season of ''
RuPaul's Drag Race ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' is an American reality competition television series, the first in the Drag Race (franchise), ''Drag Race'' franchise, produced by World of Wonder (company), World of Wonder for Logo TV (season 1–8), WOW Presents Plus, ...
''. After portraying Naomi Campbell in the
Snatch Game Snatch Game is a comedy challenge recurring across the ''Drag Race'' television franchise and a fixture of the reality competition series. Since the second season of the original American ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' series in 2010, the challenge ha ...
challenge, Campbell tweeted Couleé in approval. Couleé won their first challenge in the fourth episode, alongside Sasha Velour. They again won the following episode, portraying
Blac Chyna Angela Renée White (born May 11, 1988), commonly known as Blac Chyna, is an American model, television personality, rapper, and socialite. She originally rose to prominence in 2010 as the stunt double for Nicki Minaj in the music video for t ...
for "Kardashians: The Musical". Couleé won another challenge in the ninth episode, "Your Pilot's On Fire", again alongside Sasha Velour. In the following episode, "Makeover: Crew Better Work", Couleé lip synced for their life against Nina Bo'nina Brown, sending her home to
Demi Lovato Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato ( ; born August 20, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. After appearing on the children's television series ''Barney & Friends'' (2002–2004), she starred in the Disney Channel short series ...
's "
Cool for the Summer "Cool for the Summer" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released as the lead single from her fifth studio album ''Confident'' (2015) on July 1, 2015, by Hollywood Records and Island Records, and premiered on radio on the same dat ...
". Couleé won once again during the season's "Gayest Ball Ever", after creating a look inspired by the
Village People Village People is an American disco group known for its on-stage costumes and suggestive lyrics in their music. The group was originally formed by French producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo and lead singer Victor Willis following the re ...
's "construction worker". In the season's finale, the final four queens all participated in a "lip sync for the crown", a new format for the show. Couleé was selected to lipsync against Sasha Velour, to
Whitney Houston Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, film producer, model, and philanthropist. Commonly referred to as "Honorific nicknames in popular music, the Voice", she is List of awards and no ...
's "
So Emotional "So Emotional" is a song by American singer Whitney Houston. It was released as the third single from her second studio album '' Whitney'' (1987) on October 12, 1987, by Arista Records. The song was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly and ...
", but lost. They ultimately placed in joint third/fourth place. Couleé's loss was met with controversy, with many people claiming that Couleé should have won the crown. Couleé themself responded to the controversy, defending Velour's win, and saying "Ultimately Sasha was more successful than myself and the other girls." On May 8, 2020, Couleé was announced as a contestant on the fifth series of ''
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars ''RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars'' is an American reality competition spin off edition of the original ''RuPaul's Drag Race'', which is produced by World of Wonder, for Logo TV and later VH1. The show premiered on October 22, 2012, on Logo TV, ...
''. They won the second episode, lipsyncing for their legacy against Lipsync Assassin
Alyssa Edwards Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson (born January 16, 1980), best known by the stage name Alyssa Edwards, is an American drag queen, drag performer, choreographer, and businessperson. Edwards was known for competing in drag pageantry (notably Miss Gay Amer ...
to
The Pointer Sisters The Pointer Sisters are an American female vocal group from Oakland, California, who achieved mainstream success during the 1970s and 1980s. They have had a repertoire with many genres, they have sold around 50 million records throughout their ...
'
Neutron Dance "Neutron Dance" is a song written by Allee Willis and Danny Sembello which was introduced by the Pointer Sisters on their 1983 album '' Break Out''. The song became a Top Ten hit in 1985, its success augmented by being prominently featured on th ...
and winning, earning a $20,000 cash prize. Couleé won again during the Snatch Game of Love challenge on episode five, portraying
Flavor Flav William Jonathan Drayton Jr. (born March 16, 1959), known by his stage name Flavor Flav ( ), is an American rapper and television personality. Known for his catchphrase "Yeah, boyeeeeee!" when performing, he is a founding member alongside Chuck ...
. They lipsynced against Vanessa Vanjie Mateo to
Madonna Madonna Louise Ciccone ( ; born August 16, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Referred to as the "Queen of Pop", she has been recognized for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, ...
's " Open Your Heart" and won. On the grand finale episode, Couleé, along with fellow finalists Jujubee and
Miz Cracker Miz Cracker (born April 19, 1984) is the stage name of Maxwell Elias Heller, an American drag queen and television personality. He is best known for placing fifth on the tenth season of ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' and for being a runner-up on the fif ...
, recorded, danced, and performed a verse in RuPaul's "Clapback", choreographed by Todrick Hall. After lipsyncing to Janelle Monae's " Make Me Feel", Couleé was announced as the winner of All Stars 5. In April 2022, Couleé was announced as one of the eight returning winners that would be competing in seventh season of ''RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars'', the first ever all-winners season of ''Drag Race''. Throughout the competition, they won the first and eleventh challenges, and ultimately finished in 3rd/4th place.


Music and continued career

In 2016, Couleé was photographed for ''Glossed and Found'' magazine. In May 2017, Couleé performed as part of the Werq the World 2017 tour. Hosted by Bianca Del Rio and
Michelle Visage Michelle Visage (born Michelle Lynn Shupack, September 20, 1968) is an American television personality, singer, broadcaster, producer, and actress. She gained recognition as a member of the dance-pop group Seduction (group), Seduction, who char ...
, the tour featured drag queens
Alaska Thunderfuck Justin Andrew Honard (born March 6, 1985), best known by the stage name Alaska Thunderfuck 5000 or Alaska Thunderfuck and Mononymous person, mononymously as Alaska, is an American drag queen and singer from Erie, Pennsylvania. She is best know ...
,
Alyssa Edwards Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson (born January 16, 1980), best known by the stage name Alyssa Edwards, is an American drag queen, drag performer, choreographer, and businessperson. Edwards was known for competing in drag pageantry (notably Miss Gay Amer ...
,
Detox Detoxification or detoxication (detox for short) is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver. Additionally, it can refer to the period o ...
,
Latrice Royale Timothy K. Wilcots (born February 12, 1972), better known by the stage name Latrice Royale, is an American drag performer, recording artist, and reality television personality. She is best known for her appearances on the fourth season of ''RuP ...
, and
Violet Chachki Violet Chachki is the stage name of Paul Jason Dardo (born June 13, 1992), an American drag queen, burlesque/Aerial dance, aerial Performing arts, performer, Content creation, content creator, model, and Music artist (occupation), recording arti ...
. Couleé co-produced, directed, and starred in their own film ''Lipstick City'' in July 2017. Couleé also released three music videos to promote their debut EP, '' Couleé-D''. They co-directed the music videos, and co-produced the EP.
Azealia Banks Azealia Amanda Banks ( ; born May 31, 1991) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Raised in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, she began releasing music through Myspace in 2008 before being signed to XL Recordings at age 18. S ...
and Couleé announced plans to release a studio collaboration. The collaboration never came to fruition after Banks ghosted Couleé. At one point, they were asked to perform as a dancer in a burlesque show "Jeezy's Juke Joint". After an email mishap, they ended up performing a solo act for the show, their first time in drag. They have performed at various venues in Chicago, including Roscoe's, Berlin, Double Door, and Hydrate. They also worked as a resident host at Smart Bar, and was a Co-Host for the Tony Soto Show. At one point, Couleé competed in Miss Roscoe's Pageant. Before doing drag full-time, Couleé also worked part-time as a sales associate and customer service representative for an adult store, Tulip. In April, Couleé was featured in
Peppermint Peppermint (''Mentha'' × ''piperita'') is a Hybrid (biology), hybrid species of Mentha, mint, a cross between Mentha aquatica, watermint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in m ...
's ''Too Funky'' music video. In April 2018, Couleé premiered ''Call Me Couleé'', a web series documenting their life post ''Drag Race''. The series lasted six episodes, concluding on October 18, 2018. In September 2018, Couleé performed as a background dancer for
Christina Aguilera Christina María Aguilera ( , ; born December 18, 1980) is an American singer-songwriter, actress and television personality. Recognized as Cultural impact of Christina Aguilera, an influential figure in music and having received Public imag ...
for
Opening Ceremony An opening ceremony, grand opening, or ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the official opening of a newly constructed location or the start of an event.
's Spring 2019 collection, alongside other ''Drag Race'' alumni. They were photographed with Farrah Moan for
Manny MUA Manuel Gutierrez Jr. (born April 4, 1991), known professionally as Manny MUA, is a make-up artist, YouTuber, entrepreneur, and beauty blogger. In 2017, he was the first male brand ambassador in a campaign for the "Big Shot" mascara of the make-up ...
's ''Lunar Beauty'' palette. In June 2018, Couleé and ''Drag Race'' alum
Asia O'Hara Antwan Mason Lee (born July 7, 1982), better known by the stage name Asia O'Hara, is an American drag queen, reality television personality, and costume designer. She is most well known for competing on the tenth season of ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' ...
and
Monét X Change Monét X Change (born February 19, 1990) is the stage name of Kevin Akeem Bertin, an American and Saint Lucian drag queen, singer, podcaster, and reality television personality. She is known for competing on the tenth season of ''RuPaul's Drag R ...
performed in The Vixen's ''Black Girl Magic'', a drag show created to showcase the talent of black queens. In November, Couleé was featured as a part of Lush's "Merry DRAGMas" Campaign, alongside
Detox Detoxification or detoxication (detox for short) is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver. Additionally, it can refer to the period o ...
and Kim Chi. In March 2019, they appeared in the music video for
Iggy Azalea Amethyst Amelia Kelly (born 7 June 1990), known professionally as Iggy Azalea ( ), is an Australian rapper. Born in Sydney, Azalea moved to the United States at the age of 16 in order to pursue a career in music. She earned public recognition ...
's " Sally Walker". The same month, they joined the ''Drag World UK'' lineup, which began touring in June. In May, they were photographed with Farrah Moan and
Violet Chachki Violet Chachki is the stage name of Paul Jason Dardo (born June 13, 1992), an American drag queen, burlesque/Aerial dance, aerial Performing arts, performer, Content creation, content creator, model, and Music artist (occupation), recording arti ...
for Huda Beauty's new Setting Spray. On May 18, Couleé re-released their song "Creme Brulee" as well as an accompanying music video. The song is inspired by other female rappers such as
Lil' Kim Kimberly Denise Jones (born July 11, 1974), Those giving 1974 include: * * * * * better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper. She was born and raised in New York City and lived much of her adolescent life on the streets after ...
,
Nicki Minaj Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty (born December 8, 1982), known professionally as Nicki Minaj ( ), is a Trinidadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Regarded as the "Queen of Rap" and one of the most influential rappers of all time, she is noted for her ...
, and Azealia Banks. The song was originally written in 2013 and was the first song Couleé ever wrote. ''Billboard'' named "Creme Brulee" as the best Drag Music Video of 2018. In September, Couleé released "Gasoline" a collaboration with Eddie Gessford, known professionally as GESS, who produced, co-wrote, and featured credit on the track. A month later in June, National Selfie Day, Couleé was featured in Shawn Hollenbach's track "Double Filter Face", along with an accompanying music video. On July 15, Couleé released "Rewind", a collaborative song with them and GESS. The following month, they released a music video for the song, directed by Sam Bailey. The song is about Couleé's former boyfriend who suffered from bipolar disorder and committed suicide. Couleé was one of the Inspirations for Sina Grace's character of Shade,
Marvel Marvel may refer to: Business * Marvel Entertainment, an American entertainment company ** Marvel Comics, the primary imprint of Marvel Entertainment ** Marvel Universe, a fictional shared universe ** Marvel Music, an imprint of Marvel Comics ...
's first drag queen superhero. Couleé has embarked on several world tours following their success on ''Drag Race'' including headlining the "War on the Catwalk" and "A Drag Queen Christmas", among others. Couleé was added to the ''Drag Race'' "Haters Roast: The Shady Tour" comedy tour with other Drag Race alumni in 2019. They also headlined a one-woman show in 2019, entitled "Couleé With A 'C'". An autobiographical show, it combined song, story, and comedy, revolving around their upbringing and how they got into drag. Couleé's makeup and look transformations have been featured in publications such as ''
Cosmopolitan Cosmopolitan may refer to: Internationalism * World citizen, one who eschews traditional geopolitical divisions derived from national citizenship * Cosmopolitanism, the idea that all of humanity belongs to a single moral community * Cosmopolitan ...
''. In October, Couleé published their first article for
Metro Metro may refer to: Geography * Metro City (Indonesia), a city in Indonesia * A metropolitan area, the populated region including and surrounding an urban center Public transport * Rapid transit, a passenger railway in an urban area with high ...
. In January 2020, Couleé attended the first ever RuPaul's DragCon UK. In March 2020, Couleé performed alongside fellow drag race alumni
BeBe Zahara Benet Nea Marshall Kudi Ngwa (born March 20, 1981), better known by his stage name BeBe Zahara Benet, is a Cameroonian-American drag queen, drag performer, television personality, and musician best known for winning the RuPaul's Drag Race (season 1), fi ...
,
Bob The Drag Queen Christopher Delmar Caldwell (born June 22, 1986), also known by his stage name Caldwell Tidicue and better known by his drag name Bob the Drag Queen, is an American drag queen, comedian, actor, activist, musician, author, and reality television ...
, Mo Heart,
Peppermint Peppermint (''Mentha'' × ''piperita'') is a Hybrid (biology), hybrid species of Mentha, mint, a cross between Mentha aquatica, watermint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in m ...
, and The Vixen in the ''Nubia'' tour. The tour began its run with sold-out shows in New York City, and has plans to visit Los Angeles, as well as other major cities across the United States. In May 2020, Couleé announced the release of Shea Coul-Alé, a beer in collaboration with DoStuff Media and
Goose Island Brewery Goose Island Beer Company is an American brewery in Chicago. The oldest currently operating brewing company in Illinois, it began as a brewpub that opened in 1988 in the Lincoln Park, Chicago, Lincoln Park neighborhood, and was named after Goose ...
as a part of their Drag a Beer campaign. A portion of all the profits went to an organization that supports individuals within the LGBTQ community. The following year, they launched another limited-edition beer with Goose Island, Shea Coul-Alé: Royal Edition, with an updated flavor palate, as well as their own exclusive burger. In October 2020, Couleé was featured on the cover of ''
Out Out or OUT may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Films *Out (1957 film), ''Out'' (1957 film), a documentary short about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 *Out (1982 film), ''Out'' (1982 film), an American film directed by Eli Hollander *O ...
'' magazine, recreating
Cindy Crawford Cynthia Ann Crawford (born February 20, 1966) is an American model. During the 1980s and 1990s, she was among the most popular supermodels and a ubiquitous presence on magazine covers and runways, as well as fashion campaigns. She subsequently ...
and
k.d. Lang Kathryn Dawn Lang (born November 2, 1961), known by her stage name k.d. lang (stylised in all lowercase), is a Canadian pop and country singer-songwriter and occasional actress. Lang has won Juno Awards and Grammy Awards for her musical pe ...
's iconic ''Vanity Fair'' cover. Later that month, they were a featured performer in
Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress. One of the List of music artists by net worth, wealthiest musicians in the world, List of awards and nominations received by Rihanna, her vario ...
's ''Savage X Fenty Fashion Show Vol. 2''. In November, Couleé was recognised with the GAY TIMES Honour for Drag Hero at the fourth annual
GAY TIMES ''Gay Times'' (stylized in all caps), also known as ''GAY TIMES Magazine'' and as ''GT'', is a UK-based LGBTQ+ magazine established in 1984. Originally a magazine for gay and bisexual men, the company began including content for the LGBTQ+ comm ...
Honours. They also featured as one of the cover stars for the magazine's Honours edition. In May 2021, Couleé launched ''Wanna Be On Top?'', a biweekly podcast themed around ''
America's Next Top Model ''America's Next Top Model'' (abbreviated ''ANTM'' and ''Top Model'') is an American reality television series and interactive competition in which a number of aspiring models compete for the title of "America's Next Top Model" and a chance to b ...
'' and discussing its impact on the art of drag. In an interview with
The Advocate An advocate is a professional in the field of law. The Advocate, The Advocates or Advocate may also refer to: Magazines * The Advocate (magazine), ''The Advocate'' (magazine), an LGBT magazine based in the United States * ''The Harvard Advocate' ...
, Couleé announced that for the past three years, they have been working on an album. Couleé currently has over 1.5 million
Instagram Instagram is an American photo sharing, photo and Short-form content, short-form video sharing social networking service owned by Meta Platforms. It allows users to upload media that can be edited with Social media camera filter, filters, be ...
followers and is one of the few black Drag Race queens to reach the milestone. In May 2021, they were signed to
United Talent Agency United Talent Agency (UTA) is a global talent agency based in Beverly Hills, California. Established in 1991, it represents artists and other professionals across the entertainment industry. , the company has more than 1,400 global employees. ...
. In June 2021, Couleé made a guest appearance in '' Dragging the Classics: The Brady Bunch'', a ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' and ''
The Brady Bunch ''The Brady Bunch'' is an American sitcom created by Sherwood Schwartz that aired five seasons from September 26, 1969, to March 8, 1974, on ABC. The series revolves around a large blended family of six children, with three boys and three gir ...
''
crossover Crossover may refer to: Entertainment Music Albums * ''Cross Over'' (album), a 1987 album by Dan Peek, or the title song * ''Crossover'' (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles album), 1987 * ''Crossover'', an album by Intrigue * ''Crossover'', an album by ...
, where they played the role of
Marcia Brady File:The Brady Bunch.jpg, 300px, Characters of ''The Brady Bunch'' (Mouse over to identify) rect 0 0 105 79 #Marcia Brady, Marcia Brady rect 108 0 211 79 #Carol Brady, Carol Brady rect 216 0 320 79 #Greg Brady, Greg Brady rect 0 ...
. In August 2021, Couleé released "$100,000 bar", their own brand of bar soap in collaboration with The Quiet Girl Shoppe, a female, Black-owned business. Later that month, they were a featured performer and host in ''Klub Kids London Presents: NOIR: The Tour'', where 25% of the proceeds from the production will be donated to the
Black Lives Matter Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a Decentralization, decentralized political and social movement that aims to highlight racism, discrimination and Racial inequality in the United States, racial inequality experienced by black people, and to pro ...
movement. In October, they performed with ''Heels of Hell'' through their eight-city Halloween tour. In February 2022, Couleé collaborated with Green Monké to produce their own Cannabis-infused Soda drinks. In August 2022, they were cast as an undisclosed role in the upcoming
Marvel Cinematic Universe The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films, a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appe ...
Disney+ The Walt Disney Company, commonly referred to as simply Disney, is an American multinational mass media and entertainment industry, entertainment conglomerate (company), conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios (Burbank), Walt Di ...
television series '' Ironheart''.


Activism

Couleé has said it is important to them to use their career in drag to inspire people. In an interview with ''Seattle Gay Scene'', they said, "I would say the influence I would like to have on the queer community would be to inspire people—specifically queer POC—to feel comfortable in themselves and their identities, to understand that they're special, they're amazing, and that anything you want or dream about, you deserve it." They have been particularly outspoken about racial equality, especially within the ''
RuPaul's Drag Race ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' is an American reality competition television series, the first in the Drag Race (franchise), ''Drag Race'' franchise, produced by World of Wonder (company), World of Wonder for Logo TV (season 1–8), WOW Presents Plus, ...
''
fandom A fandom is a subculture composed of Fan (person), fans characterized by a feeling of camaraderie with others who share a common interest. Fans typically are interested in even minor details of the objects of their fandom and spend a significan ...
and drag community. In October 2018, Couleé interviewed The Vixen about racism in America for the UK's Black History Month edition of ''
Gay Times ''Gay Times'' (stylized in all caps), also known as ''GAY TIMES Magazine'' and as ''GT'', is a UK-based LGBTQ+ magazine established in 1984. Originally a magazine for gay and bisexual men, the company began including content for the LGBTQ+ comm ...
''. In another interview with ''Gay Times UK'', Couleé discusses the importance of supporting and uplifting trans women of color. Couleé has spoken against
President President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) * President (education), a leader of a college or university *President (government title) President may also refer to: Arts and entertainment Film and television *'' Præsident ...
Donald Trump Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party, he served as the 45 ...
. Specifically, in reaction to Trump's potential policy eliminating
transgender A transgender (often shortened to trans) person has a gender identity different from that typically associated with the sex they were sex assignment, assigned at birth. The opposite of ''transgender'' is ''cisgender'', which describes perso ...
recognition, they wrote: Continuing their political activism, Couleé endorsed presidential candidate
Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth Ann Warren (née Herring; born June 22, 1949) is an American politician and former law professor who is the Seniority in the United States Senate, senior United States senator from the state of Massachusetts, serving since 2013. A mem ...
, and spoke at Warren's DragCon NYC booth, encouraging people to vote for her in the
2020 United States presidential election United States presidential election, Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 3, 2020. The Democratic Party (United States), Democratic ticket of former vice president Joe Biden and California junior senator Kamala H ...
. They also marched alongside Warren at the Las Vegas Pride Parade. In 2020, Couleé participated and spoke at the Drag March for Change in support for the
Black Lives Matter movement Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a decentralized political and social movement that aims to highlight racism, discrimination and racial inequality experienced by black people, and to promote anti-racism. Its primary concerns are police brutalit ...
. Couleé has also vocally shown their support and solidarity for the Palestinian people and advocated for a free Palestine during the
Gaza war The Gaza war is an armed conflict in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel fought since 7 October 2023. A part of the unresolved Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israeli–Palestinian and Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza–Israel conflicts dating ...
.


Personal life

Merrell identifies as gay and
non-binary Non-binary or genderqueer Gender identity, gender identities are those that are outside the male/female gender binary. Non-binary identities often fall under the transgender umbrella since non-binary people typically identify with a gende ...
, preferring
singular they Singular ''they'', along with its inflected or derivative forms, ''them'', ''their'', ''theirs'', and ''themselves'' (also ''themself'' and ''theirself''), is a gender-neutral third-person pronoun derived from plural they. It typically oc ...
pronouns when out of drag and goes by ''she'' and ''her'' while in drag. At one point, they suffered from
bulimia Bulimia nervosa, also known simply as bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating (eating large quantities of food in a short period of time, often feeling out of control) followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induc ...
. In 2018, Couleé received corrective dental surgery, something they wanted since they were a teenager. They adopted three drag daughters, Kenzie Couleé, Bambi-Banks Couleé, whom they had adopted into their family in 2018, and Khloe Couleé, whom they publicly announced as their newest drag daughter on June 12, 2020. Shea, Kenzie, Bambi, and Khloe represent the current members of Shea's
drag house The Ballroom scene (also known as the Ballroom community, Ballroom culture, or just Ballroom) is an African-American and Latino underground LGBTQ+ subculture. The scene traces its origins to the drag balls of the mid-19th century United States ...
, Maison Couleé. They have named
Naomi Campbell Naomi Elaine Campbell (born 22 May 1970) is a British supermodel. Beginning her career at the age of eight, Campbell was one of six models of her generation declared supermodels by the fashion industry and the international press. She was th ...
,
Grace Jones Grace Beverly Jones (born 19 May 1948) is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, model and actress. She began her Model (person), modelling career in New York State, then in Paris, working for fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent (brand), Yves St ...
,
Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as one of the most Cultural impact of Beyoncé, ...
,
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Michael Jackson, one of the most culturally significan ...
,
Josephine Baker Freda Josephine Baker (; June 3, 1906 – April 12, 1975), naturalized as Joséphine Baker, was an American and French dancer, singer, and actress. Her career was centered primarily in Europe, mostly in France. She was the first Black woman to s ...
,
Diana Ross Diana Ross (born Diane Ernestine Earle Ross March 26, 1944) is an American singer and actress. Known as the "Queen of Motown Records", she was the lead singer of the vocal group the Supremes, who became Motown#Major divisions, Motown's most suc ...
, and
Stevie Wonder Stevland Hardaway Morris (; Judkins; born May 13, 1950), known professionally as Stevie Wonder, is an American and Ghanaian singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th c ...
as personal icons and influences.


Discography


Albums


EPs


Singles


As lead artist


As featured artist


Filmography


Movies


Television


Music videos


As lead artist


Featured and cameo roles


Internet series


Theatre


Awards and nominations


See also

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LGBT culture in Chicago The LGBTQ community in Chicago is one of the United States' most prominent, especially within the Midwest, alongside those of San Francisco and New York City, and holds a significant role in the progression of gay rights in the country. With a ...


References


Citations


Audiovisual sources

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External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Coulee, Shea 1989 births Living people 20th-century American LGBTQ people 21st-century American LGBTQ people African-American drag queens American drag queens American anti-racism activists American gay musicians American LGBTQ singers African-American LGBTQ people LGBTQ people from Illinois American non-binary musicians Non-binary drag performers OnlyFans creators People from Plainfield, Illinois Shea Couleé Shea Couleé Non-binary singers Gay singers Drag performers from Chicago People from Warsaw, Indiana Columbia College Chicago alumni LGBTQ people from Indiana Non-binary gay people Drag performers from Indiana