‘Drag Race’ Alum Aimee Yoncé Shennel Opens Up About Transition
In a recent post, the ‘Canada’s Drag Race’ season four contestant said she now feels “free” and ready to live as her true self.
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Canada’s Drag Race season four contestant Aimee Yoncé Shennel has come out publicly as a trans woman, sharing her story with fans in a social media post that detailed both the challenges and relief of her journey.
The Ottawa-based performer, who competed on the show in late 2023 and early 2024 and placed seventh, explained that she had been living openly as a woman for the past six months. “After [Canada’s] Drag Race I lost my identity and this need of freedom was more intense,” she wrote. “This past 6 months I just wanted to focus on myself and enjoy the process and yesterday I felt ready to share this with the world [and] to be honest these months have been the best of my life.”
Aimee described her decision as one that was long in the making. “It took me over 10 years for me to make this decision but 6 months ago I decided to stop suffering… 6 months ago I opened my arms and I welcomed this Beautiful woman who was imprisoned inside me.”
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She acknowledged fears about transphobia and rejection but said the need to live authentically outweighed the risks. “I won’t deny that I was very scared because I knew it would be a [sic] life changing and to be honest I didn’t want to face the consequences… it was simply easier to be a gay man and not have to face the hatred and rejection that the trans community experiences everyday but something was missing, something was wrong.”
The announcement drew an immediate wave of support from fellow Drag Race queens. Season four winner Venus wrote, “So happy for you babe.” Aurora Matrix added, “MY SISTER FR FR. Proud of you and so happy.” Kiki Coe, who competed alongside Aimee, commented, “So proud of you… love you my friend.”
Kimmy Couture, who appeared on season three, reflected on knowing Aimee’s journey long before the show: “I remember back in 2017 when you told me you were Trans but don’t know where to start, to go to, to consult and you’re scared to transition. Ever since that day, I’ve always connected with you in that level of understanding, how you think and who you are as a person. You’ve been that woman, and always will be the woman that you are. Love you and I’m so happy for you truly.”
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Other voices from the franchise also joined in, including host Brooke Lynn Hytes, who wrote, “Congratulations niece!!!”
Aimee’s post also included a message of thanks to her local community. “Happy Pride Ottawa. Thank you to all my Ottawa community for the love and support. Special thank you to all my friends who’s has [sic] been next to me during this process showing me love and support… you know who you are and you have saved my life.”
During her time on Canada’s Drag Race, Aimee made history as part of the show’s first double shantay, remaining in the competition alongside Nearah Nuff before ultimately exiting in seventh place.
Now, she says, she is stepping into her truth fully. “I am free… I am my true self… And I am this beautiful Trans Woman.”
