My Nonprofit Reviews

An Inclusive and Inspiring Visit to an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Animal Sanctuary

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Viva Rescue in Menifee for an event called “Serenity Sanctuary”, which was a guided group meditation and animal meet and greet, that I attended with my girlfriend in early August.

Our visit to Viva Rescue was not only a heartwarming experience as an animal lover, but also a refreshing affirmation of inclusivity and acceptance. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I greatly appreciated the sanctuary's commitment to providing a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds, especially considering the lack of safe spaces available in our local area.

From the moment we arrived, we felt a sense of belonging and we’re excited to see that the event had a great turnout. It was a beautiful late afternoon, and the group meditation left us feeling incredibly peaceful, which I greatly appreciated after a long stressful week. The instructor who led the meditation was also very welcoming and supportive as she took the time to ensure everyone was comfortable and felt at ease, whether they practiced meditation daily, or had never tried it before. There was also no pressure or expectation around the “right way” to meditate, which is great for beginners like our ourselves.

Once the meditation was over, and all questions were answered, we were invited to have a “meet and greet” with the animals who have been in the care of Maya, her partner, and the sanctuary. My girlfriend and I brought some lettuce and carrots to give to the animals as we interacted with them, and the goats were more than willing to indulge, which had us laughing as we quickly got to see each of their adorable and unique personalities. The animals themselves seemed to embody the sanctuary's inclusive spirit, thriving in an environment where love knows no boundaries. The sanctuary's commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for animals of all kinds is truly commendable, and it was heartening to see rescued animals, many of whom had faced difficult circumstances, now thriving and living their lives to the fullest.

Before we ended our visit, we were also able to connect with several of the other people who attended the event, and felt comfortable and welcomed by all. Each person we spoke to had similar feelings about the need for more safe spaces in our area for the LGBTQIA+ community and we were introduced to other opportunities in the area that we had never known about. In addition to the benefits of meditation, and the chance to learn more about the animals, we felt a sense of belonging around people we had never met before, which can be difficult to find in bigger cities where LGBTQIA+ events are already established.

Overall, our visit to Viva Rescue was a heartening reminder that compassion knows no boundaries. The sanctuary's LGBTQIA+ friendly atmosphere, combined with its dedication to animal welfare and social awareness, created an unforgettable experience for us both. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or an ally, if you're looking for an opportunity to connect with animals, and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts, then I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Viva Rescue in Menifee, as a place where love, acceptance, and the well-being of all living beings are celebrated.

I want to add a big thank you to Maya, her partner, and everyone involved with Viva Rescue for being a shining example of an inclusive and inspiring haven for both animals and people. It’s evident that the sanctuary values every visitor, regardless of their identity, and dedicates their time to fostering unity and breaking down barriers, which again is something that is greatly needed in this area.