Lady GuGu

What's your preferred name?

Boy Name; Tavo Gutierrez // Drag Name: Lady GuGu

What are your pronouns?

He/him/his

Share with us how you identify and how you came to that understanding of yourself.

I identify as a free spirit—someone who lives to spark joy, share smiles, and create unforgettable moments. From a very young age, I was drawn to the world of performance—whether it was theater, movies, or music. I always felt different, though I couldn’t yet grasp how unique that difference would become. My childhood was a tapestry of highs and lows, but through those experiences, I uncovered parts of myself that shaped who I am today. I believe self-understanding is an ongoing journey; life’s twists and turns constantly reveal new truths about who we are and who we’re becoming.

Tell us about how your self-expression has helped you grow.

When I look back, I realize how lucky I was to grow up in a loving home. We didn’t have much financially, but what we lacked in resources, we made up for in unconditional love and support. As a queer person, that’s a rare and beautiful privilege. I’ve always used self-expression as a form of emotional release and self-discovery—whether through fashion, creative pursuits, or simply leaning into curiosity. Those acts of expression helped me stay grounded, kept my imagination alive, and allowed my spirit to flourish.

Where did you grow up? What was a formative experience you had in childhood that led you to where you are today?

My childhood was in Seattle, Washington. One of the most formative influences in my life has always been my mother. Her strength and sacrifices shaped my path. She gave everything to make sure my sister and I had a better life—and knowing that, especially now as an adult, gave me purpose. Her resilience inspired me to chase my dreams, live with intention, and make her sacrifices worthwhile.

What is a life goal that you are working on or have achieved? How has working toward this goal helped you understand yourself as an individual?

One of my biggest life goals is to travel the world and share my talents far and wide—spreading joy, performance, and the message of self-love. The world can be a heavy, harsh place, and sometimes we just need someone to remind us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty around us. Working toward this goal has taught me that happiness comes from within, and that prioritizing your own joy and authenticity isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Who is someone who inspired you to be your true self? What was their influence on you?

My family has always been my greatest source of inspiration. From the very beginning, they’ve been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. Their unconditional love and encouragement gave me the confidence to explore who I truly am, and that support has been the foundation for creating and expressing the essence of Lady GuGu. Knowing they stand behind me has empowered me to live authentically and unapologetically.

What's something that you worry about?

One of my biggest worries is that newer generations may not always have the resources—or feel safe enough—to ask for help. While social media has opened incredible doors, it can also isolate us and create barriers to genuine human connection. I worry that cries for help may go unheard, and that the support systems some people need just aren’t reaching them. Many of us in the community are working hard to build a better tomorrow—but we can’t help if we don’t hear them.

What gives you hope?

The very same new generations also give me incredible hope. They are bold, resilient, and unafraid to speak out. They are using their voices to demand change, to challenge the status quo, and to build a future that’s more inclusive and compassionate. So if you're part of that generation and you’re reading this—please don’t stop. Keep fighting for what’s right. Your voice matters, and your courage is what moves us forward.

If you had a message for your younger self, what would you say?

Hang tight. Everything you’re going through—even the darkest moments—is shaping you into someone strong, beautiful, and full of purpose. Endure the hits, but more importantly, learn from them. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Keep your creativity alive—it will be your compass, your refuge, and your superpower. Better days are coming, and you will be ready for them.

What's a piece of wisdom you've learned that has helped you?

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

As queer people, we face adversity in ways both loud and quiet—sometimes daily. But what defines us isn’t how often we fall, it’s how we rise. Again and again, we find the strength to stand back up, lift our heads high, and keep moving forward. That resilience, that refusal to give up, is where our true power lies.

What is something you wish other people would know or understand?

I wish more people understood that there’s no single “right” way to live, love, or express yourself. What makes this world beautiful is our uniqueness—our ability to walk different paths, dream different dreams, and show up in ways that are true to us. You don’t have to fit into a traditional mold or follow someone else's idea of success. Be bold, be authentic, and trust that when you live as your full self, everything else will fall into place.