Cristian, the Executive Director of United Lynn Pride, is a lifelong Lynner. Their mother was born in Mexico and moved to Los Angeles, California, during elementary school. She and Cristian’s father, originally from Guatemala, each moved to Lynn during their teenage years. Cristian grew up in Lynn’s Ward Two around a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. As the first-born male in his family, he was showered with love and attention that came with responsibilities and pressure to succeed. They attended Ingalls Elementary School, Thurgood Marshall Middle School, Lynn English, and Northshore Community College. A natural introvert, Cristian emerged from his shell when discovering drama at Lynn Classica. He would join the school’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and become a member of the North Shore Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth (NAGLY) as well as the Boston counterpart (BAGLY). Several of Cristian’s family members are queer, allowing him greater ease in coming out. They are a 2018 graduate of Salem State University, majoring in Sociology, and were part of the activist groups The Alliance and Black, Brown, and Proud. They serve in several non-profit organizations throughout the City of Lynn and have significant experience with multiple LGBTQ+ organizations across Massachusetts.