> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gusher.gitbook.io/gusherdao/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gusher.gitbook.io/gusherdao/tokens/gush/gush-esgush-and-vlgush.md).

# GUSH, esGUSH, and vlGUSH

The GUSH token can be represented as itself, GUSH, esGUSH, or vlGUSH

## Pure GUSH

The pure `GUSH` token is not encumbered in any way. It is totally liquid and can be moved freely or vote-locked to participate in governance and to accrue any corresponding rewards.

When escrowed and unvested it is `esGUSH` (es stands for "escrowed").

When vote-locked, `GUSH` become `vlGUSH` (vl stands for "vote-locked").

## Escrowed GUSH (`esGUSH`)

`esGUSH` stands for "escrowed GUSH." `esGUSH` maintains similarities to `GUSH`, but has a vesting period associated with it.

`esGUSH` is illiquid and non-transferrable, but it has two important functions:

* it can either be vote-locked to participate in governance 
* OR it can be vested for the equivalent amount of `GUSH` tokens
* *It cannot do both at the same time*

The vesting period for `esGUSH` is 6 months and once vesting has begun, it cannot be undone.

## Vote Locked GUSH (`vlGUSH`)

To align incentives of the gUSHer protocol to long-term focused community members and participants, the protocol incorporates a vote-locking mechanism similar to those found in other protocols like Convex and Aura.

`vlGUSH` is simply vote-locked `GUSH` (or `esGUSH`).

`vlGUSH` represents governance voting power and is issued 1:1 for the amount of `GUSH` (or `esGUSH`) that is locked. However, `vlGUSH` is illiquid and non-transferrable.

Users must vote-lock their `GUSH` as `vlGUSH` to be eligible to participate in governance and to accrue any corresponding rewards.

Vote-locking your `GUSH` "locks" it for 16 weeks. At the end of that period, it may be unlocked and converted back to `GUSH` or it may be re-locked as `vlGUSH` for another 16 weeks.