Level Up! With Shay

When Vico Ortiz was 11 years old, they went on a ride with their mother to their brother’s new fencing lessons. As soon as Vico stepped in the room, they knew it was for them. And they were right. Vico’s highly competitive nature mixed with Speedy Gonzalez reflexes, as well as being the only girl competing against boys in the class, in no time, they were moving up in the ranks. Born as a performer, that’s what they loved about fencing. And when that came to an end as well as high school, Vico made the brave move to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d think this sounded like a fairytale story. Someone knows who they want to be early in life, a performer, is incredible at fencing in the meantime, and then has the freedom to move away from their family in Puerto Rico to chase their dream at 17. While Vico admits to being so lucky to have the family she does, she shares the MANY challenges she has had to overcome and the uncomfortable conversations she’s had to have. Telling her religious parents that she’s not religious (at 13!), coming out to her family – which wasn’t a one time thing – educating people on the queer community and visibility of queer people on the Hollywood screen. Vico is one of the most caring, strong, and brave people I know. I was so inspired by her trust and confidence within herself. And I hope this shows others, queer, straight, non-binary, cis, whoever, that they can do the same!

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It’s time to Level Up!