Vanessa grew up in a small, conservative town in Peru where being different wasn’t just difficult—it was dangerous. Raised in a strict Catholic school environment, she navigated the painful intersection of faith, identity, and belonging. She faced homophobia daily, was outed against her will, and struggled to reconcile the God she loved with a community that told her she couldn’t be both queer and faithful.

But Vanessa’s story isn’t one of losing faith—it’s one of finding it in new places. In herself. In her community. In the understanding that God’s love was never conditional on who she loved.

In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Vanessa shares her journey from a young girl trying to fit into boxes that were never meant for her, to a woman who refused to live a lie—even when it meant ending a long-term relationship and disappointing the people she loved most.Vanessa’s story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the courage it takes to choose authenticity over comfort. She reminds us that the journey to being yourself isn’t linear—it’s messy, painful, and ongoing. But it’s also necessary. And you’re never alone in it.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt caught between who they are and who they’re expected to be. For anyone who’s been told their identity and their faith can’t coexist. For anyone who’s choosing themselves for the first time—or the hundredth time.About Vanessa:

Vanessa is a 25-year-old Latina VC, angel investor, and LGBTQ+ advocate from Peru. After navigating identity and faith in a conservative Catholic environment, she’s dedicated to creating spaces where everyone belongs—from the boardroom to the queer community. Her story proves you can be authentic, faithful, and unapologetically yourself.

Follow Vanessa: @iamvanessa.pe

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Hosted by Cristian Figueroa & Liz Melchor

Edited by Liz Melchor

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