Oral history interview of Matty Kastellec, conducted by Tallie Casucci (audio and transcript)

Matty Kastellec (b. 1991) grew up in New York City, attending high performing public schools, including the Fiorella H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts for trombone. In addition to school and music, Matty remembers enjoying climbing with his Uncle and gymnastics. At the University of Michigan, Matty eventually studied International Studies, which taught him about power and systems of oppression. Matty moved to Salt Lake City in November 2019 and quickly made a few queer friends before the pandemic lock-down. Matty discusses the impact of the pandemic on his life and relationships. Before moving to Salt Lake City, Matty attended the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance's Climbing Festival and became involved with the Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI) Committee, as a result of summer 2020 and a letter to the organization to take action. In 2021, Matty and Rue Zheng relaunch Salt Lake Area Queer Climbers' meet-up with great success. With Lea Hernandez, they continue to host SLAQC meet-ups, events, and collaborations with other queer groups. Matty hopes to secure non-profit status for the group and to continue to lay the foundation for a robust queer climbers community.