What if pretending wasn’t just for kids? In this bold, electrifying TEDx talk, drag performer and therapist Journee LaFond (they/she) invites you to rediscover the transformative power of play. From their mother’s beauty rituals to meeting a drag queen who shattered their world open, Journee weaves personal storytelling with social science to challenge everything you think you know about identity, performance, and becoming.
This isn’t just about wigs and sequins—it’s about liberation. It’s about showing up as your fullest self. It’s about you. If you’ve ever wanted to break free, to grow, or to live more honestly—this talk just might change how you see yourself forever. Journee (they/she) is a social worker, voiceover actor, drag performer, model, event organizer, and restorative justice advocate. Passionate about creating spaces for historically marginalized communities, they are dedicated to redefining mental health, Queerness, and what it means to be a Person of the Global Majority. As their drag persona, Onyx Reigns, Journee was honored to be canonized by the Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as the Saint of the Onyx Journey. Journee works to create safe spaces for Queer folx and People of Color in New Hampshire, aiming to eradicate stigma and promote equity for marginalized groups. They live in Southern New Hampshire with their spouse and two children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 18:01How Quiet Nudges Can Lead to a Life of Purpose and Impact | Pam Rosener | TEDxPlanoNOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWe're all looking for clear direction to tell us what's next. But what if the biggest signs come through small whispers? Pam Rosener is the President and Founder of Young Men’s Service League. Pam loves mentoring young men to develop their hearts for service. She also delights in seeing moms deepen their relationships with their sons while growing personally through their leadership roles in YMSL. She’s on a mission to bring the YMSL experience to as many communities as possible to provide YMSL’s unique service, learning and leadership opportunities to young men and their moms across the country and around the world. Currently, there are over 100 chapters in 15 states. Since its inception YMSL members have served over 2 million community service hours. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 21:08A Values-Based Education is the Great Equalizer | David A. Armstrong, J.D. | TEDxSTUNOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal approach to and understanding of faith and education. Some viewers may find elements to be objectionable. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfA personal journey in higher education and a drive to teach students not what to think, but how to think. David A. Armstrong, J.D., is currently in his seventh year as President of St. Thomas University, and continues driving to make STU the leading Catholic University in the South. President Armstrong’s considerable experience in higher education includes enrollment, fundraising, student life, and athletics. He is a nationally recognized speaker on future trends of higher education law, Title IX, and campus safety. His commitment to the transformative power of education has led to seven continuous years of record enrollment, and multiple new corporate partnerships. For 2025 and beyond, President Armstrong has charged St. Thomas University's faculty, staff, and students to pursue excellence in every aspect of the higher education journey. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
