I Am Just Gaying

In this special teaser, the I Am Just Gaying hosts are handing over the mic — to YOU! That’s right, for episode 11 of the season, we’re letting our listeners choose the topic and inviting the winner to join us as a special guest. Got something gay, juicy, brilliant, or bold you want us to dive into? Now’s your chance to shape the show. Listen to this teaser, get the details, and send in your ideas.

Get ready to move your hips and your heart! 💃🏽🏳️‍🌈
In this episode of I Am Just Gaying, hosts Rahshek Darnell and Hernando Del Castillo dive deep into the vibrant intersection of music, culture, and queer identity.

From the underground house beats that sparked liberation to the reggaetón anthems that still set the floor on fire 🔥, we’re celebrating the Black and Latinx artists who shaped the soundtrack of queer joy.

🎶 Expect iconic songs, Beyoncé worship (of course), personal stories, a little bit of vulnerability, and a whole lot of love for the rhythms that raised us.
We’re talking Sylvester, Crystal Waters, Big Freedia, Chappell Roan, Daddy Yankee—and how music gives us freedom, community, and the power to live mighty real.

✨ Plus: We're calling on YOU to help shape future episodes. What tracks move you? What stories do you want told?

🎙️ Episode 9 is your invitation to dance, dream, and stay mighty real with us.

Join us for a powerful and heartwarming episode of the I Am Just Gaying Podcast as we welcome Paula Boykin, founder of Paula’s Kitchen Mission. In this Women’s History Month spotlight, Paula opens up about her journey to launching a food justice initiative that addresses homelessness and food insecurity—rooted in the legacy of her grandmother’s open-door, open-heart philosophy.

We dive into:🍲 The realities of food deserts and systemic food access issues
🏘️ The interconnectedness of healthcare, education, and food security
📢 The importance of local elections and policy change
🌟 The impact of community care, personal stories, and small acts of kindness
🍳 Comfort food, family recipes, and the joy of cooking for others

This episode is a celebration of resilience, community, and the everyday heroes who feed more than just bellies—they feed souls.

In this episode of I Am Just Gaying, hosts Rahshek Darnell and Hernando Del Castillo dive into the meaning of community and its role in combating the growing loneliness epidemic, a concern highlighted by former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. They reflect on their personal definitions of community, cultural influences, and the power of connection and support. The discussion expands to the triad of fulfillment—relationships, service, and purpose—unpacking how these elements shape a meaningful life. As they share their vision for the podcast as a space for building community, they also highlight personal moments of joy and purpose. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt conversation on what it truly means to belong.

We’re back, baby! After a much-needed self-care break (aka lying in bed contemplating life while binge-watching reality TV), we’ve returned refreshed, recharged, and ready to cackle.

This episode is all about laughter—the good, the ugly, and the nearly life-threatening (yes, we almost caused an accident mid-giggle, but let’s not dwell on that).

Join Rahshek Darnell & Hernando Del Castillo as we unpack:🤣 Why laughter is nature’s best antidepressant (no prescription required)🌈 How comedy strengthens queer communities and keeps us sane🧠 The science of laughter (it’s called gelatology, and no, it’s not a new skincare trend)🚗 That one time we almost met our ancestors because we were laughing too hard

So, if you need a break from doomscrolling, existential dread, or the chaos of it all—hit play and let’s laugh our way through life together.

💖 New episodes available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & YouTube!📢 Follow us on social media (@iamjustgaying) for more unhinged fun!

#IAmJustGayPodcast #LaughingOutLoud #QueerJoy #LaughterIsHealing #GayAndGiggles

In this episode of I Am Just Gaying, hosts Hernando Del Castillo and Rahshek Darnell tackle the ever-evolving landscape of politics and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community. From the latest executive orders impacting queer rights to the power of grassroots activism, they explore why staying politically engaged is more crucial than ever. The duo also debunks myths surrounding TikTok’s political influence and highlights the role of digital platforms in shaping advocacy. Wrapping up with a celebration of iconic queer moments and an invitation to upcoming events like World Pride, this episode is a call to action for informed activism and community support. Tune in, get engaged, and stay fabulous!

List is organizations to support and or to follow:

In Episode 4 of I Am Just Gaying, the hosts dive into the vibrant world of LGBTQ+ pop culture and its profound impact on personal identity. Joined by comedian Sampson McCormick, they explore how queer representation in the arts—through figures like Lil Nas X and groundbreaking performances—shapes the journey of self-acceptance and fosters a sense of community.

The conversation spans diverse topics, from the electrifying experiences of circuit parties to the delicate intersection of faith and sexuality. With humor and heart, the episode delves into the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals navigating religious norms, embracing their true selves, and using comedy as a tool for healing and advocacy. Packed with personal anecdotes and reflections, this episode celebrates the joy, resilience, and authenticity that define queer culture.

In this episode, Hernando Del Castillo and Rahshek Darnell share their journey of friendship spanning over 25 years. They discuss how they met through AOL, the challenges of mental health, and the evolution of their relationship from a long-distance romance to a deep brotherhood. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, support, and the significance of chosen family in their lives. They reflect on their shared experiences, the lessons learned, and the joy of maintaining a strong bond despite life's challenges.

In this episode of 'I Am Just Gaying', hosts Rahshek Ellis and Hernando Del Castillo explore themes of joy, resilience, and personal growth within the LGBTQ+ community. They discuss their experiences with mental health, navigating single life, and the importance of community support. The episode also highlights moments of queer joy, including celebrating sobriety and the release of a children's book that promotes pride and acceptance.

In this debut episode, your hosts, Hernando Del Castillo, and Rahshek Darnell, kick things off by introducing themselves and sharing the purpose behind this podcast: creating a space for open, authentic, and unapologetically queer conversations. After a quick dive into what’s been going on in their lives lately, the discussion shifts to the heart of the episode: sex positivity. Together, they explore what it means to embrace sex positivity, tackle the nuances of hooking up in the gay world, and share some personal anecdotes along the way. The episode wraps up on a celebratory note with a segment highlighting a queer moment of joy, reminding listeners of the beauty and resilience in LGBTQ+ experiences. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a whole lot of pride!