By Jake Naylor

Few stories shine as powerfully and authentically as that of JoJo Teves, known on stage as Jolene Secrets. As a two-time Miss Deaf Las Vegas PRIDE (2022 and 2023), Jolene represents more than glamour and performance. She represents resilience, identity, and the powerful impact of being seen. Behind the crown and spotlight is JoJo, a Deaf individual, student, and future educator whose journey reflects growth, courage, and purpose. Together, JoJo and Jolene are not separate identities, but two expressions of one person, living one story through different forms of voice, visibility, and connection.

JoJo’s journey begins in Guam, where culture, family, and identity first shaped his early life. Growing up Deaf in a household with limited access to sign language, communication was often a challenge. He lived in a space where he could observe the world around him but could not always fully express his thoughts and emotions. He recalls having so much inside: ideas, feelings, and questions, but lacking the tools to share them clearly. This lack of access to language created moments of isolation, not because he lacked intelligence or awareness, but because he lacked full communication access. These early experiences deeply influenced his understanding of language, identity, and belonging.

JoJo Teves

Everything began to change when JoJo discovered American Sign Language (ASL). For him, ASL was more than just a language; it was freedom. Through ASL, he found a way to express himself fully, connect with others, and finally feel understood. It allowed him to participate in conversations, build relationships, and gain confidence in his identity. Education played a key role in this transformation. Through learning, he began to understand not only language but also himself. He realized that being Deaf was not something to hide or fix, but something to embrace. At the same time, he was also navigating his identity within the LGBTQ community. Embracing both identities brought challenges, but also empowerment, pride, and a stronger sense of self.

At the age of 23, JoJo moved to Las Vegas, a decision that marked a major turning point in his life. In a new environment filled with opportunity, he began to explore who he truly was. Coming out was not a single moment, but an ongoing journey that required courage, patience, and self-acceptance. Over time, he embraced his identity more fully, and with that acceptance came freedom. It was in this space of growth and self-discovery that Jolene Secrets was born.

On stage, Jolene Secrets is bold, glamorous, and unapologetically confident. Through drag, JoJo found a powerful form of expression that allowed him to share his story in a creative and impactful way. Jolene is not separate from JoJo; she is an extension of him. Through performance, Jolene transforms lived experiences into something visual, emotional, and powerful. Each performance becomes more than entertainment; it becomes storytelling, advocacy, and representation. Through Jolene, audiences can see the beauty, strength, and visibility of Deaf and LGBTQ identities.

That visibility reached a defining moment during Jolene’s reign as Miss Deaf Las Vegas PRIDE. It was more than just a title; it was a platform. During his reign, JoJo used his visibility to advocate for both the Deaf and LGBTQ communities. One of the most powerful moments of his journey was appearing on television using ASL. In a space that often prioritizes spoken communication, his presence was a strong statement that Deaf voices matter. He showed that communication can be powerful even when it is not spoken. That moment represented pride, visibility, and representation; not just for him, but for others who saw themselves reflected in his story.

As Jolene Secrets, she traveled across the country, attending Pride events, performing, and connecting with people from diverse communities. These experiences were both joyful and deeply meaningful. Through these interactions, she reinforced her belief in the importance of representation and connection. Even small moments: a conversation, a performance, a shared experience, can create lasting impact. She realized that being visible was not just about being seen, but about helping others feel seen as well.

Despite these achievements, the journey has not always been easy. Navigating both Deaf and LGBTQ identities can feel isolating at times, especially in spaces where representation is limited. However, JoJo found strength in the community. By connecting with both the Deaf and LGBTQ communities, he built a strong sense of belonging. These communities provided support, understanding, and encouragement, allowing him to grow into the person he is today. He no longer feels the need to hide any part of himself. Instead, he stands confidently in his identity, embracing both his personal and performance selves.

Beyond the stage, JoJo’s mission continues through education and storytelling. As a student pursuing a degree in Deaf Studies, with plans to earn a master’s degree in special education, he is committed to becoming the teacher he once needed. He envisions classrooms that are inclusive, supportive, and empowering; spaces where Deaf students, LGBTQ students, and all learners feel valued and understood. Education, for him, is not just about knowledge; it is about access, equity, and empowerment.

Together, JoJo Teves and Jolene Secrets share one united purpose: to inspire the next generation. Through storytelling, they aim to reach children in meaningful ways. They plan to visit schools, community centers, and organizations to share stories that highlight the importance of education, language access, the Deaf community, LGBTQ identity, human rights, and belonging. Through these efforts, they hope to create safe and inclusive spaces where children can learn, ask questions, and feel proud of who they are.

At the heart of this mission is JoJo’s upcoming children’s book, “A Little Deaf Island Boy – A Story from Guam.” This story reflects his own childhood experiences growing up in Guam as a Deaf child navigating identity, communication, and belonging. Through this book, he hopes to provide representation for children, especially Deaf children and those from island communities, so they can see themselves in the stories they read. Through Jolene’s storytelling presence, the book will not only be read but also performed and signed, bringing the story to life in a dynamic and engaging way.

Jolene Secrets

JoJo believes that storytelling has the power to change lives. He wants children to understand that being Deaf, being different, and being themselves are all things to be proud of. He hopes that through his work, children will feel seen, valued, and empowered. His journey is a reminder that a voice does not need to be heard to be powerful. It can be seen, felt, and understood in many different ways.

JoJo Teves and Jolene Secrets represent two expressions of one powerful identity. JoJo represents education, growth, and advocacy, while Jolene represents creativity, performance, and visibility. Together, they create a story of transformation, resilience, and purpose. Their journey is not just about overcoming challenges, but about embracing identity and using lived experiences to create change.

To those still searching for their place in the world, JoJo offers a simple but powerful message: you are not alone. Your story matters. Your identity matters. Through education, storytelling, and advocacy, he continues to build a world where no one has to hide who they are. At its core, his journey reflects a universal truth: everyone deserves to belong, to be understood, and to be seen.

This article was originally published in the 2026 Summer, Arts & Entertainment issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.