Becoming Courtney Act: How drag made Shane Jenek queen of his own identity | Australian Story
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- čas přidán 15. 03. 2020
- Since appearing on Australian Idol in 2003, drag queen Courtney Act has gone on to become an international star, appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race in America, winning Celebrity Big Brother in the UK and coming second on Dancing with the Stars last year in Australia.
But for much of Courtney's career there was a struggle going on between the glamorous drag queen and the man behind the make-up, Shane Jenek.
The turning point came in 2014, when he was introduced to the concept of gender fluidity.
Since then, Shane and Courtney have used reality TV, social media and performance to preach a message of acceptance and tolerance.
In an intimate portrait, Jenek talks candidly - as both Shane and Courtney - about his career and identity issues.
#CourtneyAct #Drag #DragRace #ShaneJenek
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So glad you are all enjoying my Australian Story. Honestly it's a real honour to be the subject of this series! Thank you.
We love you!!! Keep up the good work. 🥰
I love that you can switch between entertainer and philosopher, giving a lot of inspiring educated viewpoints, you should be proud 😀
Australia is so much advanced on that subject compared to other countries
We love a humble queen
Your family are lovely, and so are you.
Ok. His dad saying "I'm proud to have him on my arm. That's my son" ... that was adorable
Agreed! His parents seem like really lovely people. The world would be a much better place if more people had a mindset like their’s! Hope you are doing well and staying safe!
now did his dad say that?
or was it that mustache?!
Yup crying
Agree! ❤️👏 - Aust Story
Yeah ıt would be great if everyone accepted each other.
"I am gay." - "That's nice, dear, see you at dinner."
Could we all live in that world, please?
crimsonsmirk yeah I wish We could
I did. Not flexing, but I think lots of parents are like that, but the bad ones get the fame.
Conversation with one of my kids; I don't know if I'm straight, gay or bi."
Me| "You could be gay, bi, straight or a sideways toaster...I will love you no matter what because you are my kid. What bits your future partner has is none of my business."
@@naomipask9956 if could give you 100 thumbs up I would
My son asked me not so long ago, "What would you do if I brought a boy home?" I replied, "I would ask him if he had had dinner yet?" All you want is for your children to be happy.
love Shane's story but his dads dads moustache clearly needs mentioned. it's a work of art haha
Throughout the decades as well! If I were a man I'd totally want to grow one as majestic as that😂
I know....It should have its own show....
It's MAGNIFICENT!!!
@@Bethbethisme Really? I always think that moustache are ugly and anti hygienic. but its ok it your opinion.
@@ursine121 Really? I always think that moustache are ugly and anti hygienic. but its ok it your opinion.
No wonder he's such a sweet, educated, well-spoken, mindful man, he was raised in a loving family who supported him no matter what. Confirmation of why family is so important in society, the upbringing is fundamental to have better people in this world.
AMEN !!!!!!!!
Absolutely!!
The most wonderful thing about Shane, is not how gorgeous his looks are, or how intelligent his social commentary is-- it's how kind he is, while at the same time being honest. It's so difficult to be sincere and sweet. Shane manages the balance beautifully.
Awesome comment! Well said!
Just loooove the mom and dad acceptance and love for their son, soooo amazing, they are so proud. Well done.
Alts Photography - Photos with Emotion they’re awesome people which is why they raised such an awesome person
“He is just... Shane!”
Fabulous, genuine, loving parents!
Her experience on drag race might be not the best BUT the trinity of Adore, Bianca, and Courtney is beyond legendary for me
Goo2Plex omg yes!!! I agree.
Agreed!!
this feels like trinity k bonet shade
best top 3
Yabba Dabba Do's!
I would love to see Willam do an Australian reality show! They would get a lot of "gender" fluid.....
@@trentoncrisp haha oh yeah!! The producers and EA's don't stand a chance 😄
Ha! I was just thinking that I miss seeing Courtney with Willam! Love ya both
UP. DOO.
@@trentoncrisp I would buy that bathwater
Courtney's dad's openness and understanding really touches my heart. Love you Courtney!
The dad’s mustache is EVERYTHING! Werq daddy!
He has his mom’s smile. But it’d be fun to see him with his dad’s mustache. That thing is MANICURED.
0:58 THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS GOING TO SAY....LOL!
He's got his mom's eyes as well!
Just adore Shane, Courtney and the family!
I’m so happy this was uploaded on CZcams, I was worried we’d never get to see it in the states!
Glad you were able to access this! Thanks for watching - Aust Story
Courtney Act was in a kids trio called The Yabba Dabba Do’s with The Veronicas. Mind = 🤯
I know! Im still in shock.
Alright Wikipedia, calm down! 😉
@@ursine121 lol wikipedia? It was featured in this video
@@Frontdesk_tragedy I know. I just don't know why they had to reiterate it and in any case I was kidding; hence the winking emoji. 😁
@@ursine121 he was just commenting on how it blew his mind
I always wondered why Courtney disappeared from Drag Race, I am so happy she has flown far and way above Drag Race. Congratulations, on your career and on using your status to make Australia more open minded.
Shane's parents seem so sweet, especially dad. Impressive moustache aswell lol.
The secret to Shane's beauty is that it starts on the inside.. Wonderful story. Thank you.
Such an incredible spokesperson and activist. It is wonderful Shane is getting the recognition he deserves!
I agree!
@Brett Wagland where did the children come in? Was that in your head and on your mind?🤔
@Brett Wagland wow you are deluded and homophobic.
@Brett Wagland Unless you're talking about yourself, I would stop talking. Self hatred disguised as homophobia never looks good
Brett Wagland what? he does not have a fetish and he does not sexualise children... wtf go research girl
This story just confirmed to me what I had already suspected: an extraordinary human being.
Shane's parents are so lovely! He's blessed to have loving and supportive parents.
Can we talk about Gill’s gorgeous mustache?
May just well be the star of the show 🤷♂️ - Aust Story
I always thought Courtney act was like 22. Her age is confusing me more thAn the fluidity of gender or sexuality.
"His" not "her" age.
for real “their” age
Forever young 💜
I just watched “Australian Story”, your story Shane, wow, all I can say is that you have a straight ally in me. God bless you and I am sure God would.
😘🥰As a gay man from the late 70's-80's who survived I am so glad to know Shane/Courtney have taken up the banner of self-freedom! And the beat goes on.........
It indeed does . . .
Stay healthy and keep the faith, wonderful times we live in.
I think people could learn something from this (me included) to listen and talk without raising voices. We don't have to agree with someone, but to be able to sit and talk and gain perceptive is really important. How respectful is that?!
Imagine the things that everyone could do if the person who they love supports them completely
Tush that would be utopia
courtney has done the most with her carrer and she is actually amazing inspiration
Shane is just a Male version of his mum. Love that his family support him.
So wonderful to learn more about one of my favourite drag queens and performers.
This was such a lovely story. Shane/Courtney's parents seem like such wonderful people. He's so lucky he's got such a wonderful family.
I fell in love with Shane from CBB and think he is just an amazing advocate. I learned so much from listening to him explain his life. Just a wonderful human ♥
Same for me! The fact that he is able to articulate his lifestyle so that people can easily understand is quite remarkable to me. He didn't ever get annoyed in CBB with answering any questions, just so interesting too!!
@@gleadhill79 Exactly - excellent rapport with the housemates and a knack for teaching without preaching. He a pretty special young man and his parents should (and are) proud :)
INCREDIBLE!!!! YES COURTNEY!
You are also incredible!
I love his parents; "Why can't we just be parents who love their kid?" And his Dad, "I love what he does. I'm a proud as hell." Biggest respects to them. How all parents house love their kids.
When Vanity’s name appeared on screen it took me a minute cause I’m like NoOOoOOOooO that’s VA-NI-TY of WIGS BY VANITY DAHLIIINNN
😂 I love her so much and she is a stunner in this interview!
Yes! I love Vanity 🥰
10 and 1/2 Inches - I was bursting out laughing 😂. They are just such an awesome performer and likeable person 🥰. Cannot wait to see where you are going on your journey! ❤️
Courtney Act and Shane are both my heroes.
"I just can't understand why parents can't just love their children for who they are, you know... regardless of what they do. I mean, it's just what you do, they're your children."
Forget the fact it’s not fair that Shane looks more gorgeous than any female it’s not believable that Shane is “38” & looks that AMAZING! 💕🥰💕
Shane is so lucky to have such a supportive family. So many men who do drag do not. I love this story. Thank you for sharing!
What a beautiful and amazing story. Shane and Courtney are both amazing and wonderful people. Thank you for being true and authentic - which will support and inspire many people. Plus, Shane/Courtney's parents are the best!
I remember Shane & Courtney on Big Brother UK. Absolutely phenomenal person!
Phenomenal people surely?
True unconditional parental love here... So many parents talk the talk, not all of them walk the walk. Gives me some restored faith in humanity.
Thank you for putting this beautiful doc on CZcams for the world to see :)
She’s had one the biggest careers of a drag queen I love her I always have
Beautiful documentary, so proud of you for coming so far and inspiring people of all generations to be themselves. Much love x
Real story Real person with a Really great and positive attitude towards life, which is just what the world needs in these "unsure uncertain" times! Thank You for sharing part of your life with us!
What an intelligent and erudite person Shayne is, as himself or performing as Courtney. Australia is proud of you Shayne!
Thank you for this. It's nice to see a positive story around LGBTQ+ people and Shane/Courtney's story is wonderful. Also Shane's folks are so lovely and we definitely need see more parents who embrace their children for who they are.
I love Shane and I love Courtney. And I love when they are one and I love when they are not one. And I would never tell Shane to come to a party but only as Courtney 🥺
Brett Wagland I imagine you think you’re being funny and sassy and the world is yours, but you’re mistaken. You don’t get decide who Courtney and Shane are.
Don't feed the Troll
I went through two FULL TUBS OF CONNOSISSUR GOURMET ICE CREAM WATCHING THIS! CRIED DO MANY TIMES IN 29:24 MINUTES I loved it. Thank you
Courtney/Shane are such an inspiration. I'm glad he's getting the recognition for his activism
Aaaaw, his parents are an example for so many parents out there! ❤️
However, Courtney is one of the most adored Queens from Dragrace so I hope she knows this, no matter how it was edited 😍
I cried... Dancing with the stars...
And his parents’ message in the end... 👼❤️😘❤️👼 what the world needs are Love, Respect and Acceptance ❤️❤️😘
Wish my parents were that cool. I was disowned at 18. Made me cry. Great video!
I love both Shane an Courteny. Saw them on Big Brother and Shane is a very intelligent thoughtful human. Also she's got the best wigs in all of draguniverse
for some reason i read it as dragon-iverse..it took quite a few before it hit me
Wow didn’t know that drag race was so bad for him. Poor Shane:/
But I became a Courtney fan through rpdr anyway haha
I watch everything that comes up in my recommendations that has anything to do with Courtney! Shane is such a grounded, funny, and overall well rounded entertainer. So much love ❤️
Love this!! Shane/Courtney has such an amazing support network and super cool parents. What beautiful souls
Loved it! That dancing with the stars part made my heart smile and my eye cry!
Does everybody in Australia know each other what’s next? Ruby Rose as her maid.
Does this mean Courtney knows Hugh Jackman?!?!
Yes we all know each other, Dame Edna lives on my street
this made me cry lol. I'm so proud of Shane AND Courtney 😭💞
Loved that story and his dad is everything and a box of candies!
what a brave unique voice , so true what he said about conversation and he is so good looking and intelligent, and such an important message to society
Shane is awesome. So is Courtney.
The choice is to deny who you are..
That quote really touch me.
I've watched it when it was first aired on Australian TV, here in London ( I liked the page on Facebook ) and watched it many times since, and every time I cry. Shane, you are an extraordinary man, multi talented, articulate, witty, compassionate, kind, generous, and let's not forget beautiful, both as Shane and as Courtney. Furthermore, I can clearly see, where you got all your amazing qualities from, your parents are wonderful human beings! You deserve all the success you have, and more.
Love from London 💜
Thanks for watching! 💜- Aust Story
This was AMAZING! I love Courtney Act & Shane! Thanks for posting! “That’s nice, Dear. See you at dinner.” I LOVE THAT ❤️
Such a beautiful episode - Courtney is an incredible person, sending such a wonderful and inspirational message to the world
I agree fully.
Brett Wagland Please explain. Explain your hate.
Brett Wagland so if I have kids I can talk?
Many LGBTQ people have kids. They can talk? I saw nothing in this programme that would sexualise a child. It’s the churches who do that under a cloak of secrecy. An entertainer who happens to be gender fluid does and never will influence children into a sexuality to which they were no already set to be attracted to. I know a lot of children who have attended Mardi Gras. None of them are gay and they still attend as adults. Those who are already gay (and there must be some) were no harmed by a bit of fun.
I doubt that you will do anything other than ignore what I am saying or get back to me with another misspelled rant.
Wow. One of the most empowering videos I’ve ever watched. Loved you on Drag Race!
I absolutely loved this and have been a supporter of you from day one. To hear your dad say he’s proud as hell and he loves you very much is something every child needs and deserves to hear! I’m so happy for you and will always support you 💕🇦🇺 🌈
Completely engaging from start to finish... inspiring on every level and just what we all need right now!
i absolutly loved this. As i always have loved Courtney from the moment i first saw her. But her message is even bigger. And i am so thankfull for her starting the conversations
I was just talking to my straight cousin about you, who's now watching RuPaul drag race. I love that you are influencing so many young people and maybe not so young people to be truly themselves. This is a great story that should be shared with anyone who's ever felt different. Congrats on your success. You're a beautiful human.
I am so glad I watched this. Thank You so much!
Be your authentic self and enjoy your life. well done Shane
AJ be careful Don't feed the Troll
@Brett Wagland I never said you were a troll, but if you throw a rock and a dog howls it's been it. You are going through this whole post leave comments about stuff that's in your own head especially the stuff about children. There was nothing said about children in this post yet you keep bringing up Children...
What is on your mind.... I would never, ever be your sweetheart 🤢
Your dad loving you is beautiful. I don't have that, but somehow this makes it better.
Shane is always making me cry. What a great story. Otis great to see behind the scene. I thought his life was so easy and he was a superstar, you never know how people struggle or doubt themselves. Courtney is just so glamorous you don't think she's ever even broken a nail, lol. Love you both 💗💗💗
Came here because I liked Courtney from Drag Race but never imagined this would be such a heartfelt piece! Shane is absolutely wonderful, as is his family, and this documentary has filled my heart with such warm and fuzzy feelings!
This made tearful!!!! It took me a long time to accept myself, I’m still learning to love myself.
You have to love Shane's parents, he truly hit the lottery with them♡♡♡
Great story told so well. Shane/Courtney is a beautiful person and his Mom and Dad are wonderful. Really appreciated this.
Made a grown man tear up, love you and your supporting family.
What a beautiful person. I have so much respect for her . Much love Courtney. Keep rocking beautiful. . X
Him.
"Your original, no matter what your sold."
Those words will live in this baby Queens heart for the rest of my life, and it's all thanks to you beautiful.
Cheers!!
-JJ
saw this in my recommended feed. Could not help myself, bloody awesome to hear your story, not from a sexuality or curiosity standpoint... just watching another Aussie "becoming", good on ya mate
Shane‘s dad is such a gem. My wish is that for all drag performers to have parents like that.
Love this so much. Courtney is fabulous and her family are delightful.
He’s so gorgeous as either gender. Wowza.
Was very refreshing to hear a serious side of this subject with so much information rather than some who mis shape stories with a side that distorts. Very happy for success but more so for you being able to be who you are.
I may have come into this program late but I applaud you Shane/Courtney - you are beautiful inside and out. Look forward to seeing more of you in your future endeavors. Well Done my Fiend.
How absolutely gorgeous and sweet are her parents?!
A likeable and beautiful human being💜🤗
Such honesty and integrity. Another great episode of Australian Story.
I have a *GREATER* admiration for Shane *AND* the parents. This was so candid and refreshing to see.
Oh throughout the idol thing I was thinking "she's giving me someone, who is it?..." Katlin Olson! Haha
Wow. Just wow. That was brilliant
It is no wonder that Shane is such a beautiful human being. His parents are just darling and loving as can be! This was wonderful.
What a nice documentary! 😁👏 good job guys 👍