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
Epoxy & Iddy Prepare 4 Battle
Epoxy & Iddy Prepare 4 Battle
Get ready to sashay into the captivating universe of Windsor's drag scene with Epoxy and Iddy Oats. In this exclusive interview, they reveal the secrets behind Battle of the Babes and their journey as dynamic drag duo.
DRAG MAG: Could you start by telling the readers a bit about yourselves?
Epoxy: We are husbands in real life, but our drag personas are what we refer to as sister-wives. We moved back from Montreal a handful of years ago to start our business Interrobang Vintage.
Iddy: In Montreal we weren’t doing drag yet I guess, but we were dressing in our weirdest looks and hitting the streets. Epoxy was working in vintage and designing graphics for Urban Outfitters, I was working in all sorts of bougie restaurants.
Epoxy: But, we were both originally from Windsor, so moving back here to start the business just made sense. We sold lots of cool people vintage, and we even did costuming for tv shows including Stranger Things season 4. And then over covid Epoxy and Iddy Oats were officially born.
DM: Can you give us a brief overview of Battle of the Babes?
E: Battle of the Babes started as a show that would allow new, novice or under-booked performers a way to showcase their talents. It’s not your typical show, the kings and queens have to collect points throughout the show. We’ve had lipsync battles, talent shows, mini-challenges, and all sorts of gags and goops. Every show is a bit different. But overall we have 5 or 6 performers who battle it out for a cash prize and crown. Iddy, do you want to tell them why we co-host?
I: Because we’re sister-wives! Before doing drag, Epoxy was hosting pop-ups, parties and events for the University of Windsor… and we’ve been there working together on everything this whole time. Epoxy just decided to finally share the damn spotlight!
DM: Could you share some background on the past battles?
E: BOTB, the original show, took place at Villains back in August 2023. It didn’t have a theme, and our very first winner was B.Martini.
I: BOTB2 was in October so obviously it was Halloween theme at Meteor. It was a landslide win for Remedy. It was her first show ever but she slayed the house down boots.
E: BOTB3 was called Love Sick as it was around Valentine’s Day. All the songs were breakup and single girl anthems. It was a packed venue at Walkerville Brewery, with over 130 tickets sold. Our winner was Venom VonSnaps. Battle of the Babes 4 is May 3 at Meteor again, and this one is called Babes in Space.
I: Think 1960s sci-fi b-movie with homemade sets and weird music. It’s going to be a fun one. But most exciting is ALL STARS. We are bringing back the past winners and some fan-favs to have our first ‘battle of the legends’! If we continue with more BOTB shows, we might even do an All Stars 2.
DM: How do you choose the themes for the events?
E: We always brainstorm ideas. Or I will think of an idea and Iddy helps me expand on it, and helps me follow through. We have a whole roster of event titles and ideas just waiting to happen. We don’t want our themes to be tacky or feeling like a high school semi-formal. We’re serving production value on a dime, and people are gobbling it up honey.
DM: What can attendees expect from the upcoming events in the BOTB series?
I: May 3, Meteor Babes in Space. June 8, Walkerville Brewery, All-Stars.
DM: Are there any surprises or special guest appearances planned for these upcoming events?
E: If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it sweetie.
DM: How do you determine the winners of the battles?
E: It all depends on their C.U.N.T. of course. We give them points for their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, based on their lipsyncs, talent show numbers, etc. And after the top 2 are chosen, the most exciting part… the audience votes by ballot for the winner!
DM: Have you seen any notable trends or evolutions in the performances over the course of the series?
E: Each show has gotten bigger and better. All Stars is going to be amazing. The queens and kings are really coming in blazing and giving it their all. Giving the Babes the opportunity to perform in a quality show in front of a full-house has made it all a lot of fun.
DM: Tell us about the format of the show. How do you structure each event to keep the audience engaged and entertained throughout the night?
I: Epoxy’s hosting is a big part of it. She’s quick as hell and really engages with the audience. We both do weird lipsyncs, and really give ‘em a show they’ll remember. I always try to be over the top and give people something they’re not expecting from a Windsor drag show.
E: We also try to read the room. If people are getting bored for even a minute we change gears and switch up the vibes. Iddy and I have been event organizers and business owners for over a decade, and I guess you could just say we’re naturals.
DM: The all-stars finale sounds like a spectacular culmination of the series. How did you go about selecting the all-stars cast, and what can fans expect from this grand finale?
E: It was hard choosing our cast. We didn’t want to exclude people, but we only had so many spots. We’re bringing back our winners, so B.Martini, Remedy, Venom, and whoever wins Babes in Space. Plus some of our ‘fan-favs’ who did really well in the rankings during their show. We have Mina Gorgina who came in 2nd at Love Sick, Daisy with a Y who dazzled us with her angelic voice in BOTB1, and also our first lipsync assassin Hudson Bae.
DM: Looking ahead, do you have plans for another season of BOTB after the finale in June?
E: I might have run out of Babes, but we’ll see! I’ve always wanted to do a Y2K themed one, or maybe another Halloween one. But I might also move on to new horizons instead.
DM: Are there any other upcoming projects or events that our readers should keep an eye out for from Epoxy and Iddy Oats?
I: May 31 at Craftheads were doing an indie/goth/emo type of night called Dolls and Demons. We’ve got our hottest queens in town and we’re going to be shaking our padded booties all night to some lipsyncs, and live dj’s. We also have Summer of ‘69 at the Walkerville Brewery which will be kind of like an improve dinner theater. Lots of other stuff in the works too.
E: I may or may not be hosting a show at the Capitol Theatre this summer. I can’t say more yet, but there’s more info about that coming soon.
DM: How do you balance your involvement in BOTB with other creative endeavors?
E: Just barely! We both work hard, I am a graphic designer and also sell vintage online and at Sidecar Collective on Ottawa St. Iddy has a dad job and works an office job full time. Unless we get a grant, our shows are fully funded by ticket sales and fully put together by Iddy and myself. Our shows are totally grass-roots and DIY, but we’ve been creatives and entrepreneurs for so long that it all comes naturally. I have my Bachelors of Fine Arts from UWindsor, and school taught me a lot about curation and how to make a lot with only a little.
DM: Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about BOTB, your journey as drag artists, or anything else that's on your minds?
E: I would like to say that we are so pleased to be featured in your publication. Keep doing what you do, and keep featuring our local talent! There are so many performers who deserve a spotlight. We can’t wait to see the evolution of this magazine.
DM: Are there any messages or words of encouragement you'd like to give to aspiring drag performers in the community?
E: I just want to take this opportunity to enlighten your readers about some Windsor history. We have had drag performers working here for over 150 years! Walkerville was a haven for vaudeville acts traveling between Montreal, Detroit, Chicago and New York. People often act like Windsor’s drag scene is small or unimportant, but we’re actually part of a rich history of queer and gender-bending performers. Don’t listen to these people who say that we don’t belong. Queer people, non-binary people, trans people and all 2S-LGBTQIA+ people have been here for centuries, and they just can’t handle how amazing we all are. Get out there and keep slaying!
BOTB - Babes In Space
Friday, May 3, 2024
At Meteor in Windsor, Ontario
BOTB - All Stars
Saturday, June 8, 2024
At Walkerville Brewery in Windsor, Ontario