In light of Brown’s transition to online learning, the U-FLi Center will be sharing narratives from the Class of 2020. We aim to affirm and honor graduating students’ time at Brown. Read about Gabi Gonzalez (they/he) below:

What communities at Brown have been influential in making it feel like a home?

Being in community with other queer/trans friends has been so grounding, exciting, and fun! I love them so much, I’m so thankful to celebrate with them and for their support during my low points while at Brown. I’ve been able to grow so much with my chosen family: my friends through the Queer Alliance, UFLiCenter, and BCSC I love y’all aaaaa!

Advice you’d give your first-year self?

Look sis, things are gonna be tough. You can’t hide yourself from your family forever. It’s also gonna be so difficult to rebuild your self-esteem – you’re wonderful, beautiful, thoughtful, sometimes that ho, and it’s gonna be okay because you will get there! I know it’s so easy to say this right now but you have lots of people who care for you and want to see you succeed! Cherish those small victories and know that you will keep growing, learning, and blossoming into a beautiful you.

Favorite memory at Brown?

As a Community Care Co-Coordinator for TWTP 2018 with Helya and Donia, I got to see new queer/trans students of color become acquainted with Brown and form networks with each other – it was so cute and they gave me so much hope for the future!