Hi, I’m Lee a “newbie” to the desert and I’m loving every minute of it so far. I invite you on this journey with me as I try to learn, un-learn and challenge my own Utah paradigm and step out of my comfort zone as I immerse myself in everything gay. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a flaming homo. I just get to live in that flame, honor that flame and not have to question anymore, “If I wear this, will it bring negative attention to me.” “Is wearing this cute shirt or shoes going to invite negative comments from bigots?” or “Am I going to be safe wearing this? Or should I wear a ring just in case I have to protect myself?” What a joy it is to not worry about that anymore. Rings are just for fun now. 😊
Yes, I said Utah. Born and raised there in a very conservative state. To add to the heavy baggage I carry around, that good ol’ Catholic guilt was instilled in me at an early age. Sometimes that’s the heaviest item in my carry on. My journey will describe my own fears, insecurities, sprinkled with the tiniest bit of body dysmorphia and sometimes my inner most desires. I wish I honored those desires a little more than I allow myself to. This page is not always going to be appropriate; the content may be graphic at times and my writing is in my own point of view and may differ from yours or others. It’s just my perspective.
My hopes are that it may bring a smile to your face, make you laugh or even just feel emotions and question yourself about your own paradigms and I invite you to be more open, loving and let it shift if it no longer serves you. Like monogamy, social construct? Is it real? Can one be happy with just one other person? I hope to unpack that shit and put it in its rightful place. In hopes that it makes my own journey just a little easier, helps me identify my own path and allows me to walk it proudly, unashamed.
I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s and a Masters in Social Work. Back home I volunteered a whole bunch, in a bunch of different ways to help homeless youth. I’ve cooked, cleaned, served, planned events, had parties and even started a Sunday breakfast when there was a hole in services for homeless youth in Utah. That was years ago…
I’VE RECEIVED A FEW AWARDS:
2020 -The International Jose Sarria Civil Rights Award Recipient
2015 DCFS Building Brighter Future Award Recipient
2013 DCFS Visionary Voice Award
2013 Volunteers of America, UT- Volunteer Recognition
2012 Q SLC Magazine 1 of 10 Persons of the Year
2012 DCFS Visionary Voice Award
2011- 2012 RCGSE Person of the Year Award
2011-2012 University of Utah, Bachelors of SW Student of the Year Award
2011 Volunteers of America, UT- Volunteer Recognition
I hope that doesn’t come across as bragging. My hope is that I come across as someone who gives a shit about our community and it can act as an acknowledgement to the reader that I get how hard it is sometimes. It hasn’t been the easiest ride for me, but I found relief and joy in doing for others. I’m still here and I’m chasing my happy. You deserve that too.
I’m here in motha’ fucking Palm Springs y’all! I invite you to read along and experience this new exciting chapter of my life with me. I also dare you to be brave and make choices that surround you in love, joy and peace. Let’s chase our happy together.
Your Happy Homo,
Lee Castillo, LCSW
