Meet Dean Lin: LGBTQ+ Creator, Author & Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dean Lin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dean, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want to be remembered as the gay boy from queens that made it. Made it to Hollywood and changed the conversations in the media—unfiltered. Making it to me doesn’t even mean fame in the end. I want my legacy to inspire those who are in the closet, BIPOC, and grew up low income. I want them to see that they can also do it no matter how many times the world tries to tell them who they are. I also want to be remembered as someone who lived through trauma and pain but came out better the other side. If my legacy can transcend and help people then I have made my mark. I want people to hear my name and feel less alone, know that there IS a light at whatever they are currently struggling in. I think lot of time people don’t realize that everyone can have a legacy. By that, I mean just being kind and showing love. Because at the end of the day aren’t we the outcome of the love we received, gave, and showed to the world?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a QUEER AF Creative, but I also like to call myself multi-hyphenate. Like many other creators, I believe that being creative takes skills from multiple places and trying to make sense of them, while still making meaningful/impactful content. With that being said, I tell people I am an LGBTQ+ Content Creator, Podcast Host, and Book Author. My brand is embracing the diversity that is oneself, accepting intersectional identities that one might have. My passion for making an impact really pushed me to strive for greatness, start my own podcast and even write my own book. Although I do work in the entertainment industry, I think the most important projects are the ones you start yourself, that you KNOW you are passionate about. I’ve worked on Cardi B’s new FB show, Cardi Tries, Carpool Karaoke: The Series, and interned at places such as Fulwell 73, The Academy, Paramount Pictures, and The Daily Show. However, I think oftentimes I let myself get too focused on the working aspect, that I didn’t give enough energy towards my creative juices on my time off. That is/was one of my biggest challenges I think as a creator. However, the way I get over my creative blocks is by separating motivation from discipline. What I mean by that is not foregoing ALL motivation, but grabbing motivation when it sparks you and taking it–RUN WITH IT! However, don’t let it guide you forever because I firmly believe that feelings, like motivation/excitement/sadness/etc are constantly changing and fleeting so we can’t ONLY rely on them to reach for our dreams. Here’s where discipline comes in for me. I think discipline in creating content is just as important as scheduling mandatory rest. YES. REST! I learned so much about burning out, and how rests were mandatory for mental health, and just being passionate again for the projects you have under your belt. There is SO much pressure in trying to “make it” but I learned that sometimes you have to just live in the present, and instead of performing/getting anxious about having to please others… one of the biggest takeaways from my experience thus far is to JUST SHOW UP. By “just showing up,” you really give in to the creative process and I found that is where my best ideas come from. I want creatives to know that we are all in this together and that I see you. I can’t wait to meet all the LGBTQ+/BIPOC creatives out there and form true connections. I’m manifesting my future talk show, writing a second book, and having a community of amazing/outgoing creatives surrounding me!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to an open camping site, Alabama Hills just three hours outside of LA driving. At first, I really thought it was in Alabama but no, it’s an amazing open space that is SO healing. Post-pandemic, I would take them to all the food spots in West Hollywood, specifically, Craigs LA (the bread that Kylie Jenner ate during her pregnancy… haha). But overall, I think taking a friend to parts of the city that are walkable/bikeable are the best because not only do you get to experience everything surrounding you, but it gives you time to be present. But if that isn’t their scene, I say, LET’S GO TO A SECLUDED BEACH (cause who doesn’t love tanning)?! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful for everything that has come along in my life thus far and I want to give a shoutout to multiple people. First off, my sister, for always being so supportive, inspiration and constantly helping me strive for better. Secondly, I am grateful to all the internships that I was able to partake in that taught me what I know today–I was able to meet people with who I have genuine connections. Specifically, I wanted to shoutout my mom 2.0 (my old boss at Paramount when I was an intern there, Anita Ortiz) because of her constant encouragement and always makes sure that I am taking care of myself mentally/physically. I also wanted to show some love to my coworkers that I was able to meet during my internship at Fulwell 73 Productions. I STILL zoom with them even after my internship and during a whole pandemic! They became family and honestly, checking in with them is what keeps me going when I feel discouraged at times.

Website: deanwlin.com

Instagram: instagram.com/deanwlin

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deanwlin

Twitter: twitter.com/deanwlin

Other: tiktok.com/@deanwlin

Image Credits
Robin Randolph for first photo