TRANS + JEROME: An Evening of Mischief and Insight

​TRANS + JEROME: An Evening of Mischief and Insight

The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland teams up with The Jerome Project to bring you TRANS + JEROME: An Evening of Mischief and Insight. This is a community event in tandem with the Jerome Caja art exhibition that is currently on display, JEROME'S HOME: A Queer Show of Motherly Love.

​Anthony Cianciolo (director of The Jerome Project) and Bernardine Caja (Jerome's mother) curated the exhibition, and together they will host this evening event.

​The goal is to inspire heartfelt conversations around full acceptance (not just tolerance) of LGBTQ+ and HIV+ people.

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​JEROME CAJA
(1958 -1995)

Painter, Prankster, Performer -- Jerome was a radical queer artist who produced a profound body of work. He created exquisite miniatures painted with everything you would find in a drag queen's handbag (nail polish, lipstick, eyeliner, glitter). He was only 37 when he died from complications related to HIV/AIDS.

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​EVENT DESCRIPTION

​TRANS + JEROME is an intergenerational community discussion on where Jerome Caja falls (or doesn’t fall) on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, and the importance of both free speech and radical self expression in America during a hateful cultural war targeting trans people today.

• ​5:00 to 5:15 Meet-&-Greet (everyone gathers in front of the exhibition).
• 5:15 to 5:30 Opening (Anthony & Bernie give a brief intro and talk about their collaboration and curatorial vision).
• 5:30 to 5:45 Presentation (slide-show on Jerome Caja's art, life and legacy).
• 5:45 to 6:30 Panel Discussion (guest speakers share their insightful stories about trans art, identity and rights).
• 6:30 to 6:45 Q&A (opportunity to ask questions to the guest panelists).
• 6:45 to 7:00 Closing (Anthony & Bernie end the evening with parting thoughts and sweet treats for everyone).​

JEROME'S HOME is currently on display at the center and several of these paintings will be discussed throughout the event. The exhibition ends on Friday, March 28, 2025.

​This is a new exhibition on display at the Greater Cleveland LGBT Community Center. ​Most of this artwork comes from the private collection of Bernardine Caja and the late John Caja (Jerome’s parents). It has never been displayed in its entirety until now. ​​

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EVENT LOGISTICS 

Location: LGBT Center Cleveland
6705 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Phone: (216) 651-5428

Food & Drink: Light snacks will be provided with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Parking: There is limited parking in the lot behind the building, which has two accessible parking spots. There is also plenty of street parking on Detroit Avenue right in front.

RSVP: Because this is a free event open to the public, we kindly ask that everyone fill out the online form so we can plan ahead of time and be able to accommodate everyone. You can either click on the button below or scan the QR code to the right — Thank you!

TRANS + JEROME  -  RSVP  Event Form

​​Founded in 1975, the center serves as a hub for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies by offering programs, services, and support to advance inclusion, equity, and well-being.

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By Anthony Cianciolo