This Pride Month, we’re joined by Yvette (she/her) and Crystal (she/her), the engaged couple behind CrossFit BLVD in Whittier, California, a fitness community built on inclusion, trauma-informed coaching, belonging, and lifelong wellness. Before becoming entrepreneurs, Yvette spent 13 years working in public service and child welfare, while Crystal built a career in public health, health education, and disease prevention. Today, they bring those experiences into every corner of their business, creating a space where movement isn’t about shrinking yourself, it’s about healing, empowerment, connection, and learning to trust your body again. Together, we explore what it really means to be queer business owners in a world that often reduces Pride to rainbow logos and marketing campaigns. We talk about the vulnerability of having to come out over and over again, why true safe spaces require more than good intentions, and what community-building actually is. In this episode, we dive into: Why success means collecting stories of impact, not just hitting revenue goalsThe reality of being visibly queer in business and having to come out repeatedlyWhat makes a space genuinely safe, inclusive, and affirmingRainbow-washing, performative allyship, and what real support looks likeWhy leaders should address difficult conversations instead of ignoring the elephant in the roomThe critical role LGBTQ+ community centers play beyond Pride MonthThe complicated emotions Pride can bring, from joy and celebration to grief, vulnerability, and rageAdvice for queer entrepreneurs building businesses in spaces where representation is still limited We also talk about Yvette’s Strong Path program supporting individuals in recovery and Crystal’s approach to movement through Pilates, body literacy, and helping people reconnect with themselves after experiencing chronic stress and trauma. This conversation is part leadership lesson, part community conversation, and part reminder that Pride isn’t just a celebration; it’s also history, resistance, visibility, and the ongoing work of creating spaces where people can safely exist as themselves. Guest Information Yvette Martinez (she/her) Founder & Owner, CrossFit BLVDCreator of the Strong Path ProgramCrossFit Level 2 Coach & Trauma-Informed Weightlifting CoachBorn and raised in Whittier, Yvette spent over a decade in child welfare and public service before founding CrossFit BLVD in 2023. Her work focuses on helping people discover strength both inside and outside the gym through fitness, connection, and community. Crystal Martinez (she/her) Co-Owner, CrossFit BLVDPilates Instructor, Public Health Professional & Trauma-Informed Movement AdvocateWith a background in Gender Studies and Public Health, Crystal spent more than ten years working in health education and disease prevention before bringing that expertise into movement and entrepreneurship. Their work centers on body literacy, autonomy, healing, and creating welcoming spaces for all bodies. 📍 CrossFit BLVD: 13300 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90602 🌐 https://www.crossfitblvd.com 📱 @crossfit_blvd
