Courtney Act

Here is a comprehensive, SEO-optimized biography of Courtney Act (born February 18, 1982), the Australian entertainer, drag artist, singer, and media personality:

Courtney Act – Life, Career, and Impact

Courtney Act (Shane Gilberto Jenek) is an Australian drag queen, singer, and TV personality. From Australian Idol to RuPaul’s Drag Race to hosting and activism, explore her journey, identity, and influence.

Introduction

Courtney Act is the stage name of Shane Gilberto Jenek (born 18 February 1982), an Australian drag performer, singer, television presenter, and LGBTQ advocate.

Jenek’s journey reflects a blending of gender identities: when in drag, “she” pronouns are used; outside drag, “he” is preferred (though Jenek also identifies with fluid and pansexual identities).

Career Milestones & Achievements

Breakthrough on Australian Idol

• In 2003, Jenek auditioned for Australian Idol first as Shane (without drag), and was rejected. The next day, he returned as Courtney Act, and the judges responded positively to that persona.

• Courtney progressed to the live rounds, was eliminated, but was brought back by the judges as a wildcard. Ultimately, her placement was 13th.

• Her audition helped change perceptions: she became one of the earliest openly queer and gender-diverse contestants on a mainstream reality talent show in Australia.

• After Idol, she signed with BMG Australia (now Sony Music), releasing her debut single “Rub Me Wrong”, which peaked at No. 29 on ARIA charts and went Gold.

Drag & International Recognition

• In 2014, Courtney competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 6). She performed strongly, never landing in the bottom two and ultimately finished as a joint runner-up.

• She is a founding member of the drag group The AAA Girls (alongside Willam and Alaska) and has released group singles including “American Apparel Ad Girls”.

• Her solo EP Kaleidoscope (2015) included songs like “Ecstasy” and “Kaleidoscope.” The title track became associated with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Television, Hosting & Media Work

• Courtney has increasingly shifted into hosting and media roles. She hosted The Bi Life (UK/Ireland) and had a special The Courtney Act Show.

• In 2018, she entered Celebrity Big Brother UK (Season 21) and won the competition.

• In Australia, she competed on Dancing With the Stars (in 2019) partnered with Joshua Keefe; she became the first drag performer in that global franchise. They reached runner-up.

• Courtney acted as a guest on the soap Neighbours.

• In 2021, she became the host of Courtney Act’s One Plus One, an interview show in Australia.

• She also joined Queens for the Night (2022) as a judge and continues to take roles in media projects domestically and internationally.

• For 2024, she was announced as the backstage correspondent for SBS’s Eurovision coverage, and returned in 2025 as Eurovision commentator with Tony Armstrong.

Music & Artistic Output

• As noted, her early single “Rub Me Wrong” charted and was certified gold.

• Her EP Kaleidoscope and other singles like “Ecstasy,” “Ugly,” “Body Parts,” reflect her musical ambitions and identity.

• Courtney’s performance reach also includes concert tours, drag shows, festival appearances, and tribute performances (for example, her tribute to Olivia Newton-John with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra).

Identity, Values & Public Influence

• Courtney identifies as pansexual, genderfluid, and is open about being polyamorous.

• She is vegan and outspoken about queer representation, visibility, and breaking stereotypes.

• Her drag persona and public platform have allowed her to advocate for LGBTQ rights, push media inclusion, and challenge gender norms.

• In interviews and performances, she often speaks about identity, performance, acceptance, and the intersection of art and activism.

Memorable Quotes & Reflections

Here are a few notable statements and reflections attributed to Courtney Act:

• In a 2024 interview, she reflected on her admiration for Olivia Newton-John, noting how performing “Xanadu” taught her perseverance, growth, and the emotional journey of artistry.

• On her identity and performance, she has said she believes “gender and sexuality are fluid” and emphasized that people often get stuck in rigidity, but connection can come from unexpected places.

• Regarding her experience on Drag Race, she has acknowledged how media editing and social media commentary sometimes skewed public perception of her, and noted the emotional toll of navigating those narratives.

• On the power of visibility, Courtney often emphasizes that being seen can help others feel less alone—and that performance is a way to reclaim narratives.

Lessons from Courtney Act’s Journey

1. Reinvention & resilience
   Courtney’s career shows how artists can evolve—from a reality TV contestant to drag icon, to host and cultural figure—while staying true to core values.

2. Using visibility responsibly
   Her openness about gender, sexuality, activism, and mental health demonstrates how public platforms can be used for more than entertainment—they can be tools for change.

3. Bridging niche culture & mainstream media
   She has helped drag and queer voices enter mainstream television, music, and audience spaces, making those cultural forms more accessible.

4. Navigating narrative control
   Courtney understands that media editing, public perception, and social commentary can distort identity; she has learned to assert her own narrative.

5. Art as identity and advocacy
   Her performances and media roles are not separate from her identity—art and activism are deeply intertwined in her work.

Conclusion

Courtney Act is a multi-talented entertainer whose impact goes beyond showmanship. Through drag, music, television, and public advocacy, she challenges boundaries and invites broader acceptance of gender diversity. Her journey from Queensland to global stages reveals both the power and vulnerability of performance.

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