Yunuen Trujillo – LGBTQ+ Catholics, immigrants, and belonging

What does it mean to belong to a church—and a country—that doesn't always welcome you?

In this episode, Colin Martinez Longmore sits down with Yunuen Trujillo for an open conversation about identity, faith, fear, and belonging. Trujillo is an immigration attorney, LGBTQ+ Catholic advocate, and lay minister. As an immigrant and a queer person who is both a practicing immigration lawyer and faithful Catholic, she shares her perspective on the emotional toll our current political moment takes on communities and individuals and what it takes to create spaces of healing and justice when institutions are often part of the harm.

Trujillo speaks to the fear that is often manufactured and weaponized by political leaders and the way that fear can infiltrate even faith communities, turning people against one another rather than toward solidarity. But she also shares her commitment to a hope rooted in community, resistance, and a belief that change is possible, even within institutions that feel resistant to it.

This episode explores her involvement with LGBTQ+ Catholic ministry, including her work in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and her founding of @lgbtcatholics Instagram page, a grassroots effort to build inclusive Catholic communities. She also highlights the essential role of allies, especially parents and grandparents, in shifting the church from within.

Whether you're navigating your own place within religious or political systems or simply seeking to be a better ally and community builder, this episode offers clarity, strength, and the reminder that hope is not naive—it's necessary.

For more on supporting immigrant communities and LGBTQ+ Catholics:

An immigration attorney on the Los Angeles protests
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202506/immigration-attorney-los-angeles-protests/

Yes, pride is a sin. But it's also a virtue.
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202408/yes-pride-is-a-sin-but-its-also-a-virtue/

All love enriches our church
https://uscatholic.org/articles/202403/all-love-enriches-our-church/

Solidarity with immigrants: How Catholics can stand up
https://uscatholic.org/articles/2023/solidarity-with-immigrants-how-catholics-can-stand-up/

LGBTQ+ Catholics: A Guide to Inclusive Ministry
https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/5577-4/lgbtq-catholics.aspx

@lgbtcatholics on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lgbtcatholics/?hl=en