During Black history month, we often reflect on the kinds of figures who, for better or worse, had to go through something terrible to achieve something great. This is a condition of human existence, of course, but more specifically struggle can be representative of the Black experience in America. For drag artist Shea Coulee, overcoming adversity wasn’t simply an uphill climb. It was more like off-roading in a go-cart.

As one of the contestants on Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Shea Coulee shot into the mainstream on a rocket and eventually was named as one of New York Magazines 100 Most Influential Drag Queens. If Shea’s 800K plus , Instagram following is any indication, then, yes, that’s influence. This is why we traveled to Shea’s home in Chicago and also to a drag performance in Tulsa, Oklahoma as part of our ongoing series with Instagram profiling Advocates for Black History Month.

When you think of drag, you might immediately think of the drama, the wigs, the costumes, the lip syncing, but what you don’t see are the normal every day moments, like Shea and their partner making a blueberry pie at home.

Shea's life is anything but ordinary but at the end of the day, Shea, no matter how famous, is still a person who has had the rough time of exploring self-love and patience with the world watching.

Now, Shea dedicates their time to spreading that message and encouraging others to do the same, living and loving authentically and spreading positivity through drag performances. 

Check out Shea Coulee's IGTV series for 'Advocates'.