Meet Taylor ‘effy’ Gibson | Professional Wrestler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor ‘effy’ Gibson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor ‘EFFY’, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
In a business like professional wrestling, financial security and a healthy balance of work and life have been historically at odds. Like other professions in entertainment, a wrestler is also expected to take every opportunity, always say yes with the hopes of that small chance of getting to enjoy the life part of the balance with some of your body still usable. I knew this getting into wrestling and I haven’t always been as balanced as I should. Working on the secondary balance of finding alternate income sources like merchandise, seminars, and licensing deals within my job became the key having the freedom to set boundaries and find the time for being human and not just the character in the fight.

The first few years of my entry to professional wrestling, I still had a full time job to back up what I thought at the time was a demanding hobby with the lofty goal of making this my main source of income. The creative outlet helped me express my sexuality as a gay man and become a more honest aggressive version of my true self. My honesty and showmanship was making me more confident outside of the ring but I knew from many that came before me that the separation of self and wrestler could be dangerous to mix. I didn’t expect balance during this time and certainly didn’t have it only rare days off between both of my lives.

As I expanded, I became frustrated that my business was just me and the main product was also just me. I was required to be there at every step! Booking, logistics, managing and then of course getting bashed with a chair or being powerbombed to a floor during the actual wrestling part of the job. Appearing live to have a wrestling match is the cornerstone of the job, but I had to create other opportunities at passive income to truly build a balance. I also knew that doing everything on my own just wouldn’t cut it. I began collaborating with artists, photographers and so many other creatives for new merchandise and ways to brand around this character because I needed their perspective and they had so many skills that I didn’t! Whether physical retail items or immersive ways to brand the digital content, these artists provided me with more ways to get paid. My fans and supporters constantly had new and unique ways to support and allowed me to take more time home and gave me the chance to prioritize friends and family without risking the flow of money.

I found other ways for myself as well. A diverse option for customers to be a part of your business leads to more diverse customers. Patreon, podcasting, streaming, cameos, seminars and running LGBTQ+ shows around the world created a bit of a cushion. Balance is still a choice we have to make every day, though. I wish I could say I always chose it!

I still am figuring this balance out. I want to continue performing live as long as I can as a professional wrestler but with two months left of the year I’ve already taken 140 flights with plenty ahead. I don’t want to be the best example of balance but I want others to see there are options. I hope the path I’ve been cutting through this strange jungle of a business helps others find an independent way to success without burning out.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As Effy, I bring a unique blend of charisma, inclusivity, and raw talent to the art of pro wrestling, carving out a niche that resonates deeply with both the wrestling community and fans alike. My persona, flamboyant yet formidable, challenges the traditional male-dominated narratives of the sport, introducing a spectrum of gender expression and sexuality that was once underrepresented. By openly embracing my identity, I not only provide visibility for the LGBTQ+ community but also encourage a broader acceptance within wrestling. This visibility has been pivotal in reshaping the industry’s culture, making it more welcoming to diverse identities.

My approach to wrestling goes beyond physical prowess; I view each match as a theatrical performance, akin to a one-act play, where every move, every gesture, serves the narrative. I’ve often stated that wrestling is a form of improvisational physical theater, and my ability to adapt and react in the ring adds an element of unpredictability and excitement that fans crave. My signature moves and style, which blend flamboyance with hardcore wrestling, offer a fresh perspective, showing that wrestling can be both artful and aggressive. This has not only helped in pushing the boundaries of what wrestling can be but also in engaging with audiences who appreciate the storytelling aspect of the sport.

Moreover, through events like “Effy’s Big Gay Brunch,” I’ve created platforms that celebrate diversity in wrestling, bringing together talent from all walks of life to showcase their skills in an environment that champions inclusivity. This initiative has not only highlighted LGBTQ+ wrestlers but has also fostered a community where wrestling can be enjoyed by everyone, irrespective of their background. My influence extends into mentoring younger wrestlers, instilling in them the importance of authenticity and self-expression, which I believe will continue to evolve the art of pro wrestling, making it richer and more reflective of real-world diversity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s so much fun stuff around Atlanta that I try to be a part of or explore. Food wise I would stop at BON TON for the crawfish boll because the Vietnamese and Cajun flavors are divine and then off to Fox Bros BBQ. I need the smoked meat.

The music and arts venues in Atlanta are some of my favorite in the world. I live near the EASTERN now which has so many fun national acts and the underground former dairy stays so cold. I even got to wrestle there recently opening for St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Variety Playhouse always has fun shows and I can’t stop checking for cheap tickets to get back into the Fox Theater for anything because it’s such a gorgeous venue no matter who is on the marquee.

Daytime fun requires a stop at the Center for Puppetry Arts to see the history of the beautiful art and of course to get pictures with Big Bird and the rest of the legendary Henson Puppets. We have to stop by the Botanical Garden too. When I stayed in midtown I found myself there quite often. And of course, as touristy as it is we’re going to the aquarium until the octopus comes out to see us.

Of course you’ll come with me to walk the neighborhood parks with the dogs as well. Where? Everywhere you look. The green spaces of Atlanta can’t be beat!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to How To Train a Wild Elephant by Jan Chozen Bays was a book that changed my life. Mindfullness in entering every situation helped me early on in many jobs with customer service and meeting everyone neutrally and not letting other issues from other rooms settle in on your mindset of approach. I think it’s helped me be much more patient and kind in demanding or crisis situations and helps me also turn to quiet and peace with ease after exiting a chaos world like a pro wrestling show.

Website: https://effylives.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/effylives

Twitter: https://x.com/effylives

Facebook: https://facebook.com/effygibbes

Other: http://wrestlingis.gay
cameo.com/effylives
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