Castien

Welcome back to In Service to Rainbows, the podcast where we explore the raw, inspiring journeys of the LGBTQ+ community. I’m your host, Brooklyn Vennell, and today, we’re joined by Castien, a courageous Female-to-Non-Binary queer person with a story of resilience, healing, and self-discovery.

Castien’s journey includes time spent within the church, where they met a trans person for the first time. Sadly, when they disclosed sexual abuse, instead of support, they faced victim-blaming, prompting them to leave the church and embark on a challenging path of mental health recovery. This journey also led them to cut ties with toxic parents in pursuit of a healthier, more authentic life. Now married to a trans partner, Castien shares openly about their experiences with gender dysphoria, acceptance among family and friends, and their journey with hormone replacement therapy.

In this conversation, they also graciously discuss the topic of surgery and what it’s meant for them. Castien’s strength and honesty are a beacon for others facing similar struggles. Let’s get started!