An emotionally and sexually honest reflection on the life (to date) of one of Australia’s most recognisable Drag Queens.
Feature image credit: Pantera Press
Shane Jenek and, more particularly, his drag queen alter ego, Courtney Act, is renowned across Australia and internationally. First appearing on Australian television’s Australian Idol in the 2000s, as both Jenek and Act — Jenek was rejected, but Act went through — where the journey to fame began, this iconic celebrity is still part of Australian pop culture. There is so much more to Jenek/Act, and it is captured in unfiltered detail in Caught in the Act.
Shane Jenek’s journey began many years earlier, as a young boy discovering his true sexual and gender identity. From as early as he can remember, he never felt like he truly fit in, but he didn’t have the words — nor did the rest of the world, at that time — to describe who he was as he was expected to fit into a heteronormative culture.
When he turned 18, Jenek made the bold decision to travel to Sydney, to see if he could find a place to belong. Within a short time, he found a new “family” — not that his true family have been anything other than supportive — engaged in the drag queen scene, and the emergence of Courtney Act began.
Jenek focussed on refining and defining who Act was and was determined to ensure that every time Courtney appeared it would be empowering and enhance the LGBTQ+ community image, and combined this with a professional determination to achieve. This led to Act appearing on Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and gaining international recognition.
From there, it has been a dream-come-true life of performing and the opportunity to bring not only the craft of drag, but the issues of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community to the fore with intelligent, informed, and intellectual discussion. Act may look like a blonde bimbo, but she (and Jenek) is anything but.
Caught in the Act is a no-holds barred account of Jenek/Act’s professional and sexual journey and is also written as a life-guide for those who feel they don’t fit in. It aims to open the eyes, minds, and hearts of those who want to understand the world of the gender diverse by including Courtney Facts, which give insight into the backgrounds, meanings and proper uses of the terms which align with the ever-evolving nature of humanity, sexuality, and gender identity.
Reviewed by Glen Christie
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not necessarily of Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Pantera Press Australia
Released: November 2021
RRP: $32.99
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