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Our Lady JScreenwriter, producer and director
Date of Birth: 01.01.1978
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Musical Career
- Television and Film Career
- Directing Debut
- Upcoming Projects
- Personal Life and Activism
- Recognition and Impact
Early Life and Career
Our Lady J, born in 1978 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, grew up in an Amish and Mennonite community. She honed her classical piano and composition skills at the Interlochen Center for the Arts from 1994 to 1996.
In 2004, after announcing her transgender identity, Our Lady J adopted her name as a subversive nod to Jean Genet's novel "Our Lady of the Flowers." She debuted at Carnegie Hall as a pianist for the New York City Gay Men's Chorus, performing with them until 2007.
Musical Career
Our Lady J's musical career found her collaborating with Sia on tour from 2012 to 2014. In 2013, she released her debut studio album, "Picture of a Man." She also made guest appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race as an invited musician in seasons 6 and 7.
Television and Film Career
In 2014, Joey Soloway broke ground by hiring Our Lady J as a staff writer on the acclaimed series "Transparent," making her the first transgender writer to be hired in a Hollywood writers' room. Her episode "If I Were You" gained international critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of a transgender childhood.
In 2017, Ryan Murphy hired Our Lady J to write and produce the television show "Pose." Her contributions to the show's storylines on HIV/AIDS resonated deeply with critics and audiences.
Directing Debut
In 2022, Our Lady J made her directorial debut with the ninth episode of "AHS: NYC," entitled "Requiem 1981/1987: Part 1." This marked a significant milestone in her career.
Upcoming Projects
Currently, Our Lady J is developing a comedy series with comedians Holmes and Caleb Hearon for Hulu, where she will serve as executive producer and showrunner.
Personal Life and Activism
Our Lady J has been outspoken in her activism for transgender rights. She successfully led the initiative to include gender-affirming care in the Writers Guild of America's health insurance plan, becoming the first arts guild to provide coverage for transgender healthcare.
Recognition and Impact
Our Lady J has been recognized for her contributions to transgender representation. In 2021, she received the National Recognition for Leadership Award from the National AIDS Memorial. Her work on "Pose" has raised awareness about HIV/AIDS and encouraged viewers to seek testing.
