A'keria C. Davenport Explained

A'Keria Chanel Davenport
Birth Date:1 March 1988
Birth Name:Gregory D'Wayne
Birth Place:Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Years Active:2011–present
Known For:RuPaul's Drag Race (season 11) contestant
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 6) contestant

A'Keria Chanel Davenport (born March 1, 1988)[1] is the stage name of Gregory D'Wayne,[2] an American drag queen best known for competing on the eleventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race (2019) and the sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (2021). As a professional entertainer, she has won several national titles in drag pageantry systems, including Miss Black Universe in 2017.[3] Davenport was recognized by Dallas Voice as a Texan of the Year in 2019.[4]

Career

2011–2018: Drag beginnings

Davenport started participating in drag pageants since 2011. Some of her titles include Miss Unity of America Newcomer 2011, Miss Wessland Newcomer 2012, Miss Diamond of the South Newcomer 2012, Miss International Vogue 2017, and Miss Black Universe 2017.[5]

2019–present: RuPaul's Drag Race

A'Keria was announced to be one of fifteen contestants competing on season eleven of RuPaul's Drag Race on January 24, 2019.[6] In episode three, she was involved in the show's first ever six-way lip sync with Honey Davenport, Ra'Jah O'Hara, Plastique Tiara, Scarlet Envy, and Shuga Cain, which she survived.[7] She later lip synced again with Ra'Jah to Sheena Easton's "Strut" in episode seven.[8] She won two main challenges, in episodes six and nine.[9] [10] She placed 3rd/4th alongside Silky Nutmeg Ganache after losing a lip sync against Yvie Oddly, who would eventually win the season against Brooke Lynn Hytes.[11] [12]

From March 26 to September 6, she was a part of the rotating cast for RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 11 Tour, presented by Voss Events and World of Wonder, and hosted by Asia O'Hara.[13] The show kicked off in Los Angeles on May 26 during the RuPaul's DragCon LA wrap party (hosted by Drag Race judge Michelle Visage) and concluded with a final bow on September 6 in New York City (also hosted by Visage) at the top of RuPaul’s DragCon NYC.

A'Keria was in a music video for Lizzo's "Juice" on April 17, 2019.[14] She portrayed Nicki Minaj in the music video for Taylor Swift's "You Need to Calm Down" on June 17, 2019.[15] On August 26, 2019, Davenport performed alongside Taylor Swift during her 2019 MTV Video Music Awards performance.[16]

In April 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, Davenport was announced as a featured cast member for the very first Digital Drag Fest, an online drag festival for all ages, with attendees given opportunities to interact with the artists, tip them, and win prizes during the broadcast.[17]

On May 26, 2021, it was revealed that A'Keria would be competing in RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 6 along with 12 other contestants, including fellow Season 11 contestants Ra'Jah O'Hara, Scarlet Envy, and Silky Nutmeg Ganache.[18] After landing in the bottom on episodes 3 and 4, she was later sent home by Kylie Sonique Love on the 6th episode “Rumerican Horror Story: Coven Girls” (a parody of American Horror Story) after placing in the bottom with fellow season 11 contestant Ra’Jah O’Hara.

In August 2021, they were a featured performer and host in Klub Kids London Presents: NOIR: The Tour, where 25% of the proceeds from the production were donated to the Black Lives Matter movement.[19]

Personal life

A'Keria C. Davenport is a member of the Drag Haus of Davenport, with Drag Race alum Kennedy Davenport, Sahara Davenport, Monét X Change, Honey Davenport and Ra'Jah O'Hara.[20] Her drag mom is Armani Nicole Davenport.[21] D'Wayne was living in Dallas before being accepted on Drag Race.[22] After Drag Race, D'Wayne moved to Katy.[23] He has stated that he plans to create a skincare line as well as start a charity that will provide support for transgender women and homosexual youth.[24]

D'Wayne spent almost a year of his life as a woman, Kiki, until he realized he identified as a man.[25] He opened up about this experience on the fifth episode of the sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, saying: "It took me to go through that experience to not only find myself but to know who I truly was and wanted to be to know I was enough... I faced the same obstacles most trans people ([especially] those of color) and that's why I will now and forever advocate and dedicate everything in me to protect them!"[26]

Filmography

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2019RuPaul's Drag RaceHerselfContestant (3rd/4th Place)
2021RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 6)Contestant (8th Place)[27]
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Untucked (season 3)

Music videos

YearTitleArtist
2019"Juice"Lizzo
"You Need to Calm Down"Taylor Swift

Web series

YearTitleRoleNotes
2019Queen to QueenHerselfWith Vanessa Mateo and Silky Nutmeg Ganache[28]
Queen's CourtGuest[29]
Countdown to the CrownSeason 11[30]
Whatcha PackinGuest[31]
Cosmo QueensCosmopolitan Series[32]
Ca$tmate$ for Ca$hGuest, with Brooke Lynn Hytes[33]
2021Reality CheckGuest[34]
Pageant PodPodcast; guest[35]
Whatcha PackinGuest[36]
Ruvealing the LookGuest[37]
Drag Us WeeklyGuest[38]
2022The Pit StopGuest[39]

Discography

Featured singles

Notes and References

  1. A_doubleC_D . 1366474828698378242 . Heyyyy 33 what's the tea! Happy birthday to me.
  2. Web site: Meet the 3 Dallas queens vying for the crown on this season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' . February 26, 2019 . GuideLive . May 25, 2019 . February 28, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190228192208/https://www.guidelive.com/tv/2019/02/26/meet-3-dallasqueens-vying-crown-season-rupauls-drag-race . live .
  3. Web site: 'Drag Race' Queen A'Keria C. Davenport Is Season 11's Dark Horse & Here's The Proof . Bustle . April 26, 2019 . December 2, 2019 . April 26, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190426144027/https://www.bustle.com/p/drag-race-queen-akeria-c-davenport-is-season-11s-dark-horse-heres-the-proof-17185867 . live .
  4. News: Texans of the Year: Queer locals . Dallas Voice . December 6, 2019 . December 7, 2019 . December 6, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191206233534/https://dallasvoice.com/texans-of-the-year-queer-locals/ . live . Arnold .
  5. Web site: A'keria Chanel Davenport . admin . March 4, 2018 . Our Community Roots . May 25, 2019 . May 26, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190526023508/http://ourcommunityroots.com/?p=14320 . live .
  6. Aquaria & Adam Rippon to Announce 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 11 Cast in Upcoming 'Ruveal' . Billboard . May 25, 2019 . January 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190120071254/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8494171/rupauls-drag-race-season-11-reveal-aquaria-adam-rippon . live .
  7. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 11 Power Ranking: Episode 3 . Billboard . May 25, 2019 . June 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190620162226/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8503355/rupauls-drag-race-season-11-power-ranking-episode-3 . live .
  8. Web site: 'RuPaul's Drag Race': Was the right queen eliminated in episode 7 'From Farm to Runway'? [POLL] ]. Sheehan . Paul . April 12, 2019 . GoldDerby . May 25, 2019 . June 8, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190608230650/https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/rupauls-drag-race-season-11-episode-7-rajah-ohara-eliminated/ . live .
  9. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 11 Power Ranking: Episode 6 . Billboard . May 25, 2019 . June 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190620165311/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8506596/rupauls-drag-race-season-11-power-ranking-episode-6 . live .
  10. Web site: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 11: Los Angeles Drag Patrol . Guerra . Joey . April 26, 2019 . Houston Chronicle . May 25, 2019 . July 25, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210725090752/https://www.chron.com/entertainment/tv/article/RuPaul-s-Drag-Race-Season-11-Los-Angeles-Drag-13796971.php . live .
  11. Web site: Who Should Win RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11? . May 23, 2019 . E! . May 25, 2019 . May 24, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190524225642/https://www.eonline.com/news/1044089/who-should-win-rupaul-s-drag-race-season-11 . live .
  12. Web site: May 20, 2019 . RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11, Episode 12: We Have Thoughts . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190525215004/https://www.vulture.com/2019/05/what-the-tuck-rupauls-drag-race-season-11-episode-12.html . May 25, 2019 . May 25, 2019 . Vulture.
  13. Web site: RuPaul's Drag Race sets season 11 tour dates with all 15 queens. Nolfi. Joey. Ew. en. 2019-09-13. April 2, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190402181329/https://ew.com/tv/2019/04/02/rupauls-drag-race-season-11-tour-dates/. live.
  14. Web site: 'RuPauls Drag Race' Queens Eat a Bunch of Fruit in Lizzo's New "Juice" Video . April 17, 2019 . Spin . May 25, 2019 . April 18, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190418130508/https://www.spin.com/2019/04/lizzo-juice-video-ru-paul-queens/ . live .
  15. Web site: Every celebrity cameo in Taylor Swift's 'You Need To Calm Down' music video . PopBuzz . June 17, 2019 . June 17, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190617132341/https://www.popbuzz.com/music/artists/taylor-swift/news/you-need-to-calm-down-video-celebrity-cameo/ . live .
  16. Web site: Taylor Swift Just Backed the Equality Act in VMAs Opening Performance. Pride. en. 2019-06-23. August 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190827033921/https://www.pride.com/celebrities/2019/8/26/taylor-swift-just-backed-equality-act-vmas-opening-performance. live.
  17. News: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Queens Take Performances Online During Their Coronavirus Self-Quarantine. Dzurillay. Julia. March 28, 2020. CheatSheet.com. April 10, 2020. April 10, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200410214810/https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/rupauls-drag-race-coronavirus.html/. live.
  18. Web site: All Stars 6 Reveal Tweet. live. 2021-06-23. Twitter. en. June 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211707/https://twitter.com/rupaulsdragrace/status/1397633597029367810.
  19. News: 17 incredible LGBTQ+ friendly events you can attend in the UK this year. June 8, 2021. Sam. Damshenas. Gay Times. June 9, 2021. June 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210608230847/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/incredible-lgbtq-friendly-events-you-can-attend-in-the-uk-this-year/. live.
  20. Web site: The House Of Davenport Has Turned 'Rupaul's Drag Race' Season 11 into A Family Reunion . Bustle . March 7, 2019 . May 25, 2019 . May 8, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190508153334/https://www.bustle.com/p/the-house-of-davenport-has-turned-rupauls-drag-race-season-11-into-a-family-reunion-16813444 . live .
  21. Web site: A'Keria C. Davenport Instagram: Her connection to the House of Davenport . February 26, 2019 . Monsters and Critics . May 25, 2019 . May 25, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190525215001/https://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/akeria-c-davenport-instagram-her-connection-to-the-house-of-davenport/ . live .
  22. Web site: The Last Dallas Drag Queen Standing . May 2, 2019 . D Magazine . May 25, 2019 . May 28, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190528231959/https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2019/05/the-last-dallas-drag-queen-standing/ . live .
  23. News: A'keria C. Davenport says 'Drag Race' taught her to act like a fool . Houston Chronicle . May 31, 2019 . December 1, 2019 . June 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190609231005/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/tv/article/A-keria-C-Davenport-says-Drag-Race-taught-her-13909513.php#photo-17578162 . live . Guerra . Joey .
  24. Web site: A'Keria C. Davenport Loses 'Drag Race,' Moves to Houston, and Starts a Charity . D Magazine . May 31, 2019 . December 1, 2019 . June 8, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190608061411/https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2019/05/akeria-c-davenport-loses-drag-race-moves-to-houston-and-starts-a-charity/ . live .
  25. Web site: Three "RPDR" Queens Spent A Day At The Trevor Project, Where They Opened Up About Their Own Personal Journeys. August 26, 2019. Buzzfeed. September 14, 2019. September 13, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190913203202/https://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/rpdr-queens-akeria-chanel-davenport-soju-and-silky-nutmeg. live.
  26. Web site: Drag Race's A'keria C. Davenport Just Revealed Why She Transitioned. Andre Jackson. Out. July 16, 2021. July 17, 2021. July 16, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210716192617/https://www.out.com/television/2021/7/16/drag-races-akeria-c-davenport-just-revealed-why-she-transitioned. live.
  27. News: 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Moves From VH1 To Paramount+; Lineup Of Returning Queens Unveiled. May 26, 2021. Alexandra. Del Rosario. Deadline. May 26, 2021. May 26, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526170110/https://deadline.com/2021/05/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-vh1-paramount-lineup-returning-queens-unveiled-1234764201/. live.
  28. Queen to Queen: Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, A'Keria Davenport & Silky Nutmeg Ganache RuPaul's Drag Race. YouTube. May 24, 2019. August 20, 2019. December 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207023418/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuVmkMepEWw&t=. live.
  29. Drag Race: A'Keria C. Davenport Dishes on Vanjie and Brooke Lynn's Relationship. YouTube. April 1, 2019. August 28, 2019. December 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207023533/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlRqp7nMRAo&t=. live.
  30. "Impressions" COUNTDOWN TO THE CROWN: RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11. YouTube. May 21, 2019. August 30, 2019. May 26, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526225721/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=f3_aYZTTtQg&feature=youtu.be. live.
  31. Whatcha Packin': A'Keria C. Davenport Season 11 Top Four RuPaul's Drag Race. YouTube. May 27, 2019. August 28, 2019. November 9, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109100948/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awnhYMB7a0s. live.
  32. A'keria Chanel Davenport Is The Master of Colorful Eyeshadow Cosmo Queens. YouTube. June 30, 2019. August 28, 2019. December 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201222004706/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-CEWGjBIuc. live.
  33. CA$TMATE$ FOR CA$H: Brooke Lynn Hytes and A'Keria C. Davenport. YouTube. August 28, 2019. August 28, 2019.
  34. A'keria Davenport and Kylie Sonique Love Dish on Everything Related to Drag Race All Stars. Yahoo. July 8, 2021. July 10, 2021.
  35. Web site: Seven drag artist podcasts you need to check out . Evan. Hecht. DBK News. October 28, 2021 . January 12, 2022 . November 2, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211102220104/https://dbknews.com/2021/10/28/drag-artist-podcasts-trixie-mattel-katya/ . live .
  36. Whatcha Packin' AS6 E06 RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. YouTube. July 22, 2021. July 22, 2021.
  37. A'Keria C. Davenport's Glamorous Goth Look Ruvealing the Look RuPaul's Drag Race AS6. YouTube. July 26, 2021. July 26, 2021.
  38. RuPaul's Drag Race All Star Akeria C. Davenport Names Herself 'Runway Queen' Of Season 6. Us Weekly. July 30, 2021. July 30, 2021.
  39. The Pit Stop S14 E13 Monét X Change & A'Keria C. Davenport Fire It Up RuPaul's Drag Race. RuPaul's Drag Race. April 2, 2022. April 2, 2022.
  40. Web site: Queens Everywhere (Cast Version) [feat. The Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 11] - Single]. iTunes. March 26, 2020. March 26, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200326155528/https://music.apple.com/us/album/queens-everywhere-cast-version-feat-cast-rupauls-drag/1463872138. live.
  41. Web site: Taylor Swift Refused To Perform At The VMAs Unless MTV Gave All The Drag Queens In Her Video Awards Too. Bate. Ellie. BuzzFeed. August 27, 2019 . en. 2020-01-11. April 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200404090347/https://www.buzzfeed.com/eleanorbate/taylor-swift-vmas-video-of-the-year-drag-queens. live.