Aimee Yonce Shennel: A Radiant Star
Aime: Yonce Shennel: A Radiant Star
Prepare to be captivated by the dazzling Aimee Yonce Shennel, a standout performer from the fourth season of Canada's Drag Race. With roots in the Dominican Republic and a flourishing career in Canada, Aimee brings a unique blend of cultural influences to her drag persona. Known for her high-energy performances and deep connection with the audience, Aimee is set to light up the stage at the Queens of Pride event in Windsor on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Hosted by WEPrideFest at Lanspeary Park, this celebration promises an unforgettable experience with a stellar lineup, including the renowned Trinity The Tuck Taylor.
“Remember to love everyone around you, especially those who send you hate. They hate you because they want to be you, they want to be as happy as you are. Share your energy, look out for each other, because that is what Pride means!!!”
DRAG MAG: Welcome, Aimee! How are you feeling about performing at Queens of Pride in Windsor?
Aimee Yonce Shennel: HOLA!!! I am super excited to perform and meet everyone at Queens of Pride in Windsor. It will be my first time going there and hopefully not the last one.
DM: Your journey began in the Dominican Republic and has flourished in Canada. How have these diverse cultural backgrounds influenced your drag persona and style?
AYS: My drag journey began in Canada in 2017, but my cultural background has definitely influenced my drag persona. I believe that coming from the Caribbean is what makes me unique in drag. We are super kind and welcoming to everyone.
DM: Can you share the story behind your drag name, Aimee Yonce Shennel?
AYS: Aimee means love in French. Yonce comes from the Queen Beyoncé, and Shennel is to honour my drag mother who introduced me to this beautiful art.
DM: What was your experience like on Canada's Drag Race season 4, and how has it impacted your career?
AYS: I had a very good time on CDRS4, and I would do it again if I had the opportunity. The way I was treated there was amazing; they really take care of the queens, ensuring we have a good time. My life hasn’t been the same since then. Traveling around the world (mostly in Canada) and meeting thousands of people, feeling their love and appreciation, is everything for me. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
DM: You were named Miss Capital Pride and featured in the Queer Black Excellence Showcase. What do these titles mean to you, and how have they shaped your journey as a drag performer?
AYS: Winning Miss Capital Pride was the beginning of my crazy journey in drag. It’s the biggest competition in my city, and after winning, I have been busy nonstop. It definitely shaped my drag journey and prepared me for what was coming (CDRS4). Now I am ready for an ALL STARS.
DM: How do you prepare for your performances, and what can the audience in Windsor expect from your show at Queens of Pride?
AYS: We are going to party!!! I am going to bring my high energy to the stage and celebrate love! Every scenario is a different experience for me. I always project the show in my mind and plan every single detail in advance. I make my own mix and practice my moves. I don’t really choreograph my numbers (only when I have dancers), but I do moves and I do them well. I prefer to perform, give a show, and connect with the audience, ensuring they enjoy my number and aren’t falling asleep. I really enjoy and love what I do, and I can’t wait to share that energy with everyone.
DM: Who are your biggest inspirations in and out of drag, and how have they influenced your work?
AYS: Of course, Beyoncé in and out of drag. I just love everything coming from that woman. She inspired me to be free, to be me, and I want to inspire others in the same way.
DM: As a prominent figure in the drag community, how do you use your platform to advocate for representation and inclusivity?
AYS: I do a lot of volunteer work that people don’t even know about because I don’t post about it. I do a lot in my city for the community (refugees, new drag performers, drag kings, high schools, open stages, etc.). I should probably share more about these things, not to become more famous or buy people’s love, but to inspire others.
DM: What has been your biggest achievement in your drag career so far, and why is it significant to you?
AYS: Being on TV has been my biggest achievement so far, and I am looking for more. It is significant because I had the opportunity to share who I am with the world, let them know my human side, and touch and change people's lives.
DM: What role do pride events play in your life, and what does it mean to you to perform at such events?
AYS: Pride events mean a lot to me because being part of them is my way to honour and celebrate those who fought and gave their lives in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Because of them, we have the right to be who we are. They started something, and it is our job to continue the legacy and ensure there is a safe space for everyone in our community. Being a drag queen and performing at pride events is my way to say we are here, we exist, and we aren’t going anywhere.
DM: How do you balance the demands of your drag career with your personal life?
AYS: To be honest, my drag career has become my personal life. I do have personal things I do out of drag, like meeting my close friends and family, but I enjoy drag so much that it has become part of my personal life.
DM: What advice would you give to aspiring drag performers who look up to you?
AYS: Try it! And if you are having fun, keep doing it. Ask questions, meet your local drag performers, and you will find a family and a community who will help you. Drag is a very competitive career, and you will meet people who try to put you down, but don’t let them! Remember, you are doing this because you love it, and one day you will be happy with your drag persona. Don’t try to be anyone else; find your own self. Practice and practice. I have been doing this for eight years, and I am still learning things every day. Never stop learning from others, keep growing, and never feel better than others. Share love and support everyone around you!
DM: Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about?
AYS: Omg!! I can’t really talk about it, but there are projects on the table, and I am excited about them.
DM: How can fans and readers support you and stay updated with your work?
AYS: Following me on social media, and there will be some amazing merchandise at the festival on Friday and Saturday!
DM: Is there anything else you’d like to add or share with our readers today?
AYS: Remember to love everyone around you, especially those who send you hate. They hate you because they want to be you, they want to be as happy as you are. Share your energy, look out for each other, because that is what Pride means!!!
Don’t miss the chance to see Aimee Yonce Shennel and an incredible lineup of drag performers, including Trinity The Tuck Taylor, at Queens of Pride on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Lanspeary Park in Windsor. Hosted by WEPrideFest, this event is a celebration of love, diversity, and extraordinary talent. Come out, show your support, and experience the magic of Pride!
Queens of Pride
Saturday, August 10, 2024
At Lanspeary Park in Windsor, Ontario
Trinity The Tuck’s Return
Trinity The Tuck’s Return
Get ready, Windsor! WePrideFest is bringing an unforgettable night of glamour and talent to Lanspeary Park. On Saturday, August 10, 2024, Queens of Pride will feature an electrifying lineup of drag performances headlined by none other than Trinity the Tuck, also known as Trinity Taylor. Trinity rose to fame on the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and claimed the crown on the fourth season of All Stars, sharing the title with Monet X Change. She also dazzled audiences on the all-winners seventh season of All Stars. Joining Trinity will be Aimee Yonce Shennel from Canada's Drag Race season 4. Hosted by AM800's Dan MacDonald, the event will also spotlight local talents Vanity Affair, Lena Di, Star, Benz Menova, Epoxy, and Venom Vonsnaps.
Before she takes the stage, we had the chance to sit down with Trinity the Tuck for an exclusive interview.
DRAG MAG: Welcome back to Windsor, Trinity! How are you feeling about performing at Queens of Pride?
Trinity the Tuck: Thank you for the welcome! I always love coming to Windsor. I have family right outside of Detroit so this just feels like an extension of family! I’m super excited to celebrate Pride with you all.
DM: You've performed at numerous pride events over the years. What does performing at pride events mean to you personally?
TtT: I think performing at pride, not only is way for me to connect to my fans and to celebrate love, also it’s a continuation of making sure we are seen and heard because even still our rights as human beings are being taken away.
DM: In what ways do you think pride events have evolved over the years, and what role do you think drag plays in these celebrations?
TtT: Pride has evolved from kind of a disorderly protest in the early stages when we were fighting for our rights! It has evolved to be more of a celebration, even though it is still a protest Drag artist are the voices of the queer community. Anytime there is a benefit show to be put on or someone speaking on behalf of our community it is usually a drag artist!
DM: This isn't your first time in Windsor. How does it feel to return, and do you have any special memories or experiences from your previous visits?
TtT: I love the city. Everyone is so kind and welcoming here! I love that everyone is so excited about drag here!
DM: You've had an incredible journey on RuPaul's Drag Race, from season nine to winning All Stars season four and competing in the all-winners season. How has your experience on the show shaped you as a performer and a person?
TtT: I think that being on Drag Race has opened my eyes to all sorts of drag. Coming from a small town where Drag was very much in a box to travel in the world and seeing all kinds of creative artists, I view drag differently. It definitely has pushed my drag to be better because there are so many amazing artists out there!
DM: What was it like sharing the All Stars 4 crown with Monet X Change? How did that moment impact your career?
TtT: There is not a single entertainer out there that I would rather share this title with! Getting to know Monet over the last several years has been my pleasure and she is not only an incredible artist but such a kind person! I think our win is so unique to the franchise. There’s not any other double crown winners, and that is special to me.
DM: Can you tell us a bit about the evolution of your drag persona, from Trinity Taylor to Trinity the Tuck?
TtT: When I first started Drag, I really wanted my Drag to go in a very Goth style. I really tailored my Drag after Trinity from the matrix. I only wore jet black hair and vinyl. Over the years I tried different styles until I finally leaned into the drag I have today. I’m still Trinity Taylor. Trinity the Tuck is just a nickname, an extension of Trinity Taylor.
DM: You've been known for your incredible looks and impeccable fashion. Where do you draw your inspiration from, and how do you keep your style fresh and innovative?
TtT: Drag is all about being inspired by your surroundings, fashion, and other artists. It’s about bringing your creativity to life. I think also collaborating with other artist such as amazing designers that we have in our community really helps elevate each artist and keep them unique and fresh.
DM: How do you prepare for your performances, and what can the audience in Windsor expect from your show?
TtT: I have been doing this so long. I don’t really have a ritual to prepare for anymore. I am in my groove of what I do as an artist. I think you all can expect what I do best which is great costumes, interactive performances, banter with the audience and high-performance.
DM: You've been a vocal advocate for various causes within the LGBTQ+ community. Can you share some of the issues that are particularly close to your heart?
TtT: Yes, absolutely! I definitely think when you have a platform you should use that to some capacity for the betterment of mankind. I have advocated for many causes over the years, but my number one is always local artist! I was a local artist far longer than I have been on TV and I know the struggle. Artists that haven’t been on TV. Do not get adequate pay to what they deliver on stage and what is required of them. I try to uplift artists to be seen. Encourage audiences to support those in their community.
DM: What advice would you give to upcoming drag performers who aspire to reach the levels of success you've achieved?
TtT: Anyone who is successful has been faced with many challenges along the way. Many doors closed, but they never gave up! My advice would just be to keep pushing forward and when a door closes just open a window! Also invest in your Drag and get several costumes so that way you have enough for a show!
DM: With so many drag shows and tours, how do you maintain a balance between your professional and personal life?
TtT: I think that’s always a struggle for anyone who is constantly on the road. I try to maintain the closer relationships that I have and I’m very fortunate that the people in my inner circle are very understanding of how this business works.
DM: How do you see the future of drag evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that future?
TtT: The future of Drag is endless! This is an art form and really you can do anything with it. I hope that it continues to evolve to be even more inclusive, and like I said, previously, I try to uplift all types of artists so that I may play a part in giving a platform to those who do not have as large of one.
“Performing at pride is a continuation of making sure we are seen and heard because even still our rights as human beings are being taken away.”
DM: What message would you like to share with your fans in Windsor and the readers of THISisDRAG.com and DRAG MAG?
TtT: Just remember what pride is for and that we have to continue to be proud of who we are and who we love and representation is everything! Make your voice be heard and stand up for what you believe in. Also, no matter where you are, register to vote because your voice is your number one tool!
DM: Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re excited about and can share with us?
TtT: I just released a full album called Sinematic. It is out now and you can watch two of the music videos on my YouTube right now and listen to the album wherever you find your music! Also, if you have access to the streaming service Tubi, you can check out a movie I’m in with Heidi N Closet, Crystal Methyd and Cara Melle! It’s called Slay!
DM: Is there anything else you’d like to add or share with us today?
TtT: Wishing you a happy pride and stay safe! Super excited to see you all!
Don't miss this spectacular event! Join us at Lanspeary Park on Saturday, August 10, 2024, for Queens of Pride, featuring the fabulous Trinity the Tuck and a stellar lineup of performers. Presented by WePrideFest and hosted by AM800's Dan MacDonald, it's a night you won't want to miss. Get your tickets now and prepare for an evening of unforgettable entertainment!
Queens of Pride
Saturday, August 10, 2024
At Lanspeary Park, in Windsor, Ontario
This article has been brought to you by WEPrideFest in Windsor, ON.