April AOTM: Jo Teut

When Jo moved from Texas to Minnesota in December 2022, it was about more than just a change of scenery. “My family lived here, and Minnesota is a trans-friendly state,” Jo shares. “I decided I wasn’t going to let anything hold me back from what I wanted out of life.”

That mindset led them to try new things right away. In the summer of 2023, Jo bought roller skates and taught themself how to skate, with plans to join roller derby. But after attending their first bout, they quickly learned it wasn’t for them. And as if it were fate, at the bout, they saw an ad for Solcana and their family encouraged them to check it out.

“I wasn’t looking to join a gym,” Jo says. “but I was interested in finding my queer community.”

They signed up for Empower, and “began feeling at home in the space and in my body as the weeks went on.” After Empower, Jo started going to Trans Strength, “I love how inclusive and knowledgeable the coaches are. They help me improve my form and push me to do my best each day.” Occasionally, Jo’s family would join them for Sunday Funday and then brunch. They learned how to play pickleball at one of Hannah’s socials and have enjoyed two good seasons at Minneapolis Cider Company. “When my schedule is hectic, I love being able to jump into Recess. And lately, I’ve been cheering on my partner at Friday Night Lights.”

"Jo is an extremely consistent person. They are friendly and kind to everyone in class and in community. They work really hard on their goals, and it's an honor to have them as a part of our community." -Coach Neesh

Jo’s experience at Solcana has been non-linear.

“When I first started, my goals were to meet new people, feel more comfortable in my body, and rebuild strength I had as a college athlete.” In 2024, they challenged themself to compete in Drop Deadlift Gorgeous, their first competition in over a decade. “I was overwhelmed by how our community showed up with love and support for trans athletes.”

Shortly after, Jo faced two back-to-back surgeries that required three months of rest. Returning to the gym wasn’t easy. “I couldn’t lift my arms over my head, much less a bar,” they recall. But they kept showing up! “I spent 2025 being humbled and working hard to regain my pre-surgery strength hitting a PR at Drop Deadlift Gorgeous and in every other lift along the way.”

"Jo is a a dedicated, hard working athlete and a true gem. They shine in trans strength and exemplify what it means to be a positive and supportive community member. Jo is a great example for new athletes, pushing themselves to get stronger, while listening to their body and easing off when it's healthy to do so. Jo also has an enviable overhead press!! I love working out with Jo and am so excited they continue to be a part of the Solcana, and more specifically, trans strength community. Love you dude!" -Coach Garrett H.

The physical journey has been closely tied to their mental health, too. “I’ve struggled with my mental health since surgery,” they share, “but I’m motivated to show up because of the community within Trans Strength. We support each other in and out of the gym, and I’ve loved watching my friends grow alongside me.”

Starting over in a new state hasn’t been easy, but Jo has met some of their best friends at Solcana.

"I don’t usually have the opportunity to coach Jo but every time I see them in the gym they have a warm smile and huge hello for me. They always make me feel so good and love chatting with them. I look forward to seeing Jo in the gym." -Coach Traci

Outside the gym, Jo brings that same commitment to community into their work and life. They’re a senior experience specialist at Fresenius Medical Care, focusing on patient experience and employee engagement, and they chair a global LGBTQIA+ & Allies Employee Resource Group. They also started a trans employee support initiative to help foster community and share resources.

Jo also mentors a trans youth through Queerspace Collective, and they spend a lot of time hiking, adventuring, and talking about video games and music.

In their downtime, they’re an avid reader and book collector, a fan of New Music Friday, live music, and theater. “ I love hanging out with my cat, long walks in nature, and spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy cooking most meals from scratch and finding a good deal at a secondhand store.”

Thanks Jo for being a part of the Solcana community! We are so proud of you and so happy to have you. YAY JO!