Ila McCullough CHW, MHFA (She/They) was born and raised in a rural community in Northwest Ohio. Growing up in a rural area gave Ila a unique perspective on Ohio’s queer community and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people outside larger cities.
She attended Bowling Green State University, where she worked with the university’s student LGBTQ+ organization and participated in community service throughout the area. Ila graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, with a focus in Cultural Studies.
Ila later created her drag persona, The Lady Perez, performing her first shows in Lima, Ohio. Through The Lady Perez, Ila gives back to the community through benefit performances, fundraising, and raising awareness of issues affecting LGBTQ+ people.
Ila also has a background in HIV/STI prevention and harm reduction. She formerly worked with Equitas Health in Lima before relocating to Columbus and continuing that work at the King-Lincoln location.
In 2025, Ila served as a keynote speaker for TransWeek (formerly known as Fantasia Fair), the longest-running transgender event of its kind, and she now serves on the event’s planning committee.
