Dr. Lady J

born 1986, Harriman, TN
lives in Cleveland

Dr. Lady J (also known as Jeremiah Davenport outside of drag) is a Cleveland-based non-binary trans woman, a celebrated drag queen, a historian with a PhD on 1990s drag culture, an educator, and an award-winning activist. Awarded the 2022 Trans Education Award by Margie’s Hope, a northeast Ohio organization dedicated to providing resources and services to enrich the lives of transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive people, Dr. Lady J is a multifaceted practitioner and creative tour de force.

Inspired by artist (and friend) Loraine Lynn’s FRONT exhibition installation, composed of lively, organically-shaped fiber constructions thatinvite touch and incite joy, Dr. Lady J produced a special performance at the site of Lynn’s installation in the Mary Ann and Jack Katzenmeyer Student Lounge at the Cleveland Institute of Art. An opportunity to introduce drag culture to new audiences and expand the expectations of institutional space, Dr. Lady J’s performance included extraordinary costuming inspired by Lynn’s vibrant use of color and geometry and a unique soundtrack that combines spoken word and music. An example of how artist relationships both inspire and incubate new ideas, Lynn and Dr. Lady J’s contributions remind us that the potential for joy exists within our authentic expression, and that, in itself, is a radical act.

The Pod of Dust and Rainbows

The Pod of Dust and Rainbows has been made to accompany the 2022 edition of FRONT International: The Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art.

The show was hosted and produced by Dr. Lady J & Kenyon Farrow, recorded at the Studio West 117 and West 117 Foundation podcast studio.

This project was made possible with generous support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Dushko Petrovich Córdova, executive producer. Naomi Columna, sound design. Theme music by Elephant Ornament.

Cleveland Institute of Art

Dr. Lady J, Not Yet Titled, 2022, Commissioned by FRONT International: Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art