Emily
Meet Jesús Aceves.
Jesus Aceves, born with a rare condition, embarked on a global circus career at the age of 12 and returned to his hometown where he now resides with his three daughters, facing challenges stemming from the hereditary nature of his condition. Let’s catch a glimpse of their current lives.
At 12, Jesus Aceves, along with two cousins, joined the circus after being spotted by a circus owner while working at an amusement park during summer break.
His time in the circus wasn’t ideal. As attractions, he and his cousins were kept away so people on the street wouldn’t see them.
Aceves, along with several family members, possesses hypertrichosis, earning him the monikers “The Wolf Man” or “The Little Wolf” during his youth due to his condition, which results in thick, dark hair covering his face. This characteristic subjected Aceves and his family to harsh treatment, enduring rejection from residents in their small Mexican town and Aceves facing ridicule and teasing from other children.
Unfortunately, his children, especially his oldest daughter Karla, faced discrimination similar to what he endured as a child.
In the documentary “Chuy, The Wolf Man,” directed by Eva Arid and translated by the BBC, Jesus Aceves (known as Chuy) expressed his perspective on the circus life, viewing it as an opportunity to entertain and bring joy rather than an illicit source of income.
Returning to his hometown after years of circus travels, Aceves, now a family man with a wife, three daughters, and extended family in Loreto, encountered challenges transitioning away from circus work due to societal biases against his appearance. Financial support became challenging despite his wife’s temporary employment. In hopes of securing conventional employment, Aceves, previously reluctant to shave his face, made the decision to do so.
Aceves and his wife believed this step would enhance his job prospects despite the challenges.
Karla, one of Aceves’s daughters, shared her experience of facing derogatory comments from children, influenced by adults’ opinions, which made her feel isolated.
Aceves, navigating job interviews post-shaving, remained optimistic about securing employment but acknowledged that maintaining a clean-shaven face would be an ongoing requirement for any job he attained.
While societal norms often judge women more critically for excessive body hair, Aceves’s wife viewed their family’s condition positively, considering it a blessing rather than a curse. Conversely, Karla embraced her condition, initially attempting to remove her hair but eventually accepting and embracing her natural appearance.
Jesus Aceves’s family demonstrates resilience and unity amidst societal challenges, fostering acceptance and positivity regarding their unique condition. As you explore further, don’t miss the story of The World’s Hairiest Girl, who, happily married and embracing a new style after shaving, shares a story of her own.
