Jaren Kyei Merrell (born February 8, 1989),[1] known professionally as Shea Couleé, is an American drag queen, singer, rapper, actor, podcaster, and fixture of the Chicago nightlife scene.

In 2017, Couleé achieved international fame after competing on season nine of RuPaul's Drag Race,[2] placing in the top four.

[4][5] Couleé later returned to compete on the all-winners seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2022, once again placing in the top four.

Since then, Couleé has continued their musical career, starred in their web series, podcast, and has embarked on domestic and international tours, including Werq the World, Haters Roast, and A Drag Queen Christmas.

[22] In the following episode, "Makeover: Crew Better Work", Couleé lip synced for their life against Nina Bo'nina Brown, sending her home to Demi Lovato's "Cool for the Summer".

[23] Couleé won once again during the season's "Gayest Ball Ever", after creating a look inspired by the Village People's "construction worker".

[27] Couleé themself responded to the controversy, defending Velour's win, and saying "Ultimately Sasha was more successful than myself and the other girls.

[30] On the grand finale episode, Couleé, along with fellow finalists Jujubee and Miz Cracker, recorded, danced, and performed a verse in RuPaul's "Clapback", choreographed by Todrick Hall.

Hosted by Bianca Del Rio and Michelle Visage, the tour featured drag queens Alaska Thunderfuck, Alyssa Edwards, Detox, Latrice Royale, and Violet Chachki.

[46] Before doing drag full-time, Couleé also worked part-time as a sales associate and customer service representative for an adult store, Tulip.

[51] In September 2018, Couleé performed as a background dancer for Christina Aguilera for Opening Ceremony's Spring 2019 collection, alongside other Drag Race alumni.

[54] In November, Couleé was featured as a part of Lush's "Merry DRAGMas" Campaign, alongside Detox and Kim Chi.

[62] In September, Couleé released "Gasoline" a collaboration with Eddie Gessford, known professionally as GESS, who produced, co-wrote, and featured credit on the track.

[63] A month later in June, National Selfie Day, Couleé was featured in Shawn Hollenbach's track "Double Filter Face", along with an accompanying music video.

[65][66] Couleé was one of the Inspirations for Sina Grace's character of Shade, Marvel's first drag queen superhero.

[78][79] The following year, they launched another limited-edition beer with Goose Island, Shea Coul-Alé: Royal Edition, with an updated flavor palate,[80][81] as well as their own exclusive burger.

[88] Couleé currently has over 1.5 million Instagram followers and is one of the few black Drag Race queens to reach the milestone.

[93] Later that month, they were a featured performer and host in Klub Kids London Presents: NOIR: The Tour, where 25% of the proceeds from the production will be donated to the Black Lives Matter movement.

[95] In August 2022, they were cast as an undisclosed role in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ television series Ironheart.

In October 2018, Couleé interviewed The Vixen about racism in America for the UK's Black History Month edition of Gay Times.

[99] In another interview with Gay Times UK, Couleé discusses the importance of supporting and uplifting trans women of color.

[105] In 2020, Couleé participated and spoke at the Drag March for Change in support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

[106][79] Couleé has also vocally shown their support and solidarity for the Palestinian people and advocated for a free Palestine during the Israel–Hamas war.

[116][79] They have named Naomi Campbell, Grace Jones, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Josephine Baker, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder as personal icons and influences.