Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Gutierrez.
Hi Gabrielle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve called myself a Jill-of-all-trades, doing odd jobs here and there to support myself. I’ve gotten my certification as a yoga instructor and Reiki healer while working as a performer. I’ve worked at every theme park except Six Flags. My fiance and I both saved up and instead of spending lots of money on a wedding, we bought our first little condominium in Orange County. We were hesitant at first since we are both part of the LGBTQIA+ community and I am Latinx. However, we moved to an area that had a strong Latinx community and we hoped to be welcomed with open arms.
When the pandemic happened, I was worried I wouldn’t have any source of income to help with our bills. But while most people were busy baking bread, I fell into fostering kittens that shelters wouldn’t/couldn’t take in. It began on a whim – while scrolling Instagram, I saw an acquaintance who had found four newborn babies in a box. Now – four litters later, it’s turned into a new calling and been our saving grace as we navigate handling discrimination in a conservative community. Caring for these kittens by ourselves, my fiance and I have found so much joy. It’s shown us how we would fair as parents, and helped me connect to my energy work, along with a new partnership with a nonprofit organization that rescues cats.
Recently – my fiance, who is a transgender man, was outed to our condominium complex during an HOA Zoom meeting. It was right around the time of the election and political tensions were at an all time high. After he was outed, we faced vandalism, discrimination, and intrusion of our personal lives. A few weeks ago, we were at a real low point, neither of us wanted to go to work, and we were both afraid of what might happen and where we could go. It was the kittens that helped us.
One of our foster kittens got really sick, and we had to take her to the Vet ER. She had a bad upper respiratory infection and stopped breathing. We didn’t care how much it would cost or what it would take. Helping her get healthy drew us out of our depression. Even though we are still grappling with the bigotry, we have something to get us through the days. I spend my time going to the local Petco to care for nonprofit cats there. Once 2021 begins, I’ll help the organization apply for grants and revamp their social media accounts. We have three kittens left in our home that are looking for homes. It’s been bittersweet watching all of them go to their furever families, but also joyful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been anything but smooth. Everything from losing my main source of income as an assistant manager at a party princess company and side gigs, to combating bigotry and not feeling safe in our home. After our car was vandalized– we had to make the decision to give it back to the dealership because we couldn’t afford the repairs or insurance premiums. We’ve had rocks thrown in our patio and a window broken, we were even worried if it was safe for the foster kittens and our three small chi-weenies. We are now seeking legal counsel, looking for a new home, and fighting the HOA board who continues to discriminate against us.
Those struggles are enough on their own, but with a pandemic and social movement – it’s hard to know what to focus on. I was going to protests and phone banking during the election but I’ve had to go back on medication for my anxiety and depression. Caring for the kittens and volunteering for the nonprofit Orange County Small Paws have really been the bright spots that’ve buoyed our lives.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Hmm… I guess a few things. One aspect of my healing practice is that I really try to keep learning and growing. I try to volunteer as much as possible with organizations that share beliefs I believe uplift and better the world. Nonprofits like Sunrise Movement, Broadway for Racial Justice, and of course Orange County Small Paws. My hope is to support and uplift people. I have an empathetic heart so when anyone is hurting I want to be there to listen and help in any way I can. The biggest thing I am proud of is caring for these kittens. I get pictures from their new families and see how they’ve grown from little fluff balls to grown kittens with their own personalities and it makes my heart sing. It gives me motivation to keep bettering myself. It’s helped my energy practice, I started offering sliding scale breathwork and sound baths, even doing some yoga with kittens sessions! And I’ve been more energized to be a better performer so that I can keep supporting and fostering. There’s been moments when I wonder if things will turn out okay but all I have to do is look over at a kitten cuddling or playing with a catnip toy and I feel it will be.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Starting out in what? Lol. I guess for volunteering, look for organizations that not only share your beliefs but also contribute to the community. What do they do, how are places after they leave? And don’t be afraid to offer your services, even if you think you don’t have something that is of value, trust me you do. Every small action helps. On acting and performing? I thought when the shutdowns happened, there wouldn’t be any opportunities, but we’ve seen how artists have adapted. I’ve even been fortunate enough to work at two drive-thru events during the holidays. Ingenuity is important. Use this time to audition virtually or take free classes – there’s so much content right now! It’s the perfect time to go completely full out. Don’t worry about how you look or sound because it’s not in person, so you can be as wild and out there as you want to.
For fighting injustice – there is power in action, but there is also power in rest. My fiance and I were trying to do EVERYTHING. Going to work, maintaining virtual classes, I was trying to volunteer for multiple organizations, go outside and protest, be supportive to others… and all of it was overwhelming. We both needed a break. To stop and breathe. So we did. Rest is vital. Even if it’s for a few minutes a day. We are grateful that we are even able to pause our life and keep a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help, that is something we’re still learning to do, but since reaching out and sharing – it’s comforting to know that there are people in our corner too.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.flowthroughyourlife.com
- Instagram: @flowthroughyourlife
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowthroughyourlife/
- Twitter: @gg_flowyourlife
Image Credits
Damion Mahr (my fiance took all the pictures)
