With a warm heart, an easy smile, and two green thumbs, Lupe Silva cultivates more than plants – he nurtures connection, laughter and community. Since moving to Charlotte in 2018, Lupe has built a life rooted in partnership, purpose and personal growth, all while navigating the complexities of being a Hispanic gay man during a political climate that has often felt unwelcoming and, at times, openly hostile.
Whether he is caring for struggling plants, training corporate travel agents around the world, volunteering for Pride festivities, or laughing through life’s uncomfortable moments, Silva carries himself with a rare combination of humility, resilience and humor. During this candid and heartfelt interview, Silva reflects on the many life journeys he has experienced.
L’Monique King: How long have you been living in Charlotte?
Lupe Silva: I moved to Charlotte in 2018. I live in the University City Area. We purchased this gray two-story house about two years ago and love the area. There are great parks nearby, places to walk the dog.
LMK: You sound like a dog lover; do you have one?
LS: Yes, a rescue. He’s the best. He’s a five-year-old yellow lab pit bull mix named Duke.
LMK: What originally brought you to Charlotte?
LS: I have a few friends who were living in Charlotte and spoke very positively. I’m originally from Texas and wanted to live somewhere else before my parents got old and I’d probably have to move back to Texas. I originally expected that would have happened already, but they’re doing great living independently at 81 (dad) and 76 (mom).
LMK: What do you love about Charlotte?
LS: I love how good the food is and how initially – a bit more affordable than say, New York City; and the career growth potential Charlotte offers.
LMK: When you mentioned your house, I noticed you said we. Do you share your home with a friend, family member or partner?
LS: I am happily partnered – and share a home with the most wonderful man. We just celebrated our seventh year of togetherness. When I first moved away from New York City – I lived there from 2009-2018 – it became apparent that Keith [my partner] was the best guy around for 600 miles. He’s so funny, so kind and we never stop laughing.
LMK: How do you identify?
LS: I identify as Hispanic, my dad is from Mexico, and my mom is from Texas, so I identify as Tex Mex <chuckles>.
LMK: That said, how are you feeling about all this ICE mess.
LS: I do feel worried and have been profiled by customs while traveling and returning home to the U.S., my home country – the place where I was born. The last two times I traveled [internationally] I was detained [in the U.S. upon return] by customs and border patrol. The first time, I wasn’t given any reason. The second time I was told it was my name. Apparently, my name is close to someone accused of criminal activity. I was released 15 minutes later once my identity was verified. I was very thankful because the first detainment was almost two hours. I’ll now probably have to go through some extra steps identifying me as “not the bad person.”
LMK: You chuckled once or twice while telling that story. How is it that you can bring yourself to anything other than anger during moments like those?
LMK: I’m very happy and very fortunate. There were many people who had to stay in that room much longer than I did – having worse result.
LMK: Do you ever curse? And if you do, what prompts your use of profanity?
LS: Yes, I do. I think those words are impactful and sometimes necessary. I use Fuck-face the most and that’s usually aimed at drivers not doing very well on the road. In a positive context, on my Stonewall Sports kickball team, I yell “fuck it up babe!” to my partner when he is up to kick. Now, most of the team yells an encouraging “fuck it up babe!” at some point or another.
LMK: As a little boy, before you could curse and drive, what did you want to be when you grew up?
LS: At about six or seven I wanted to be a limousine driver in New York City. <loads of laughter> As I matured, I wanted to be a newspaper journalist but during high school, many of my friends tried to get me to consider becoming a teacher. I didn’t end up being either. And then, ended up watering office building plants. That was my first real job as an adult, a plant watering guy.
LMK: What do you do for a living now?
LS: Today I’m a corporate travel trainer. I train corporate travel agents in person and virtually. That’s why I was [recently] in Delhi, training a small group of corporate travel agents in India.
LMK: What would your close friends say is your worst habit or character trait
LS: They would probably say my worst habit is talking to strangers and my worst character trait – making friends with strangers <raucous laughter>.
LMK: Do you have any plans for Pride?
LS: My plans for pride are to volunteer for any and all the festivities I can this year. As a Board member. And to be able to take some time to enjoy all the happiness of the weekend.
LMK: What’s your superpower?
LS: My superpower is taking really good care of plants. I love having the ability to take something struggling and helping it thrive.
LMK: What would folks be surprised to learn about you?
LS: Every now and then I realize I have a few friends that literally have no idea what I do for a living.
LMK: If you could talk to the 15-year-old you, what would you see?
LS: I would say, go live out West and see other places.
LMK: What is Lupe doing 20 years from now?
LS: Hopefully retired for many years and watering lots of healthy plants.
LMK: What advice would you offer for today’s LGBTQ youth?LS: Try to explore. Get out there and see something