 |
IN FOCUS: ARTICLE |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Out and Proud: Point Scholars Sound Off
Interviews by Ellen Friedrichs
Text by Susan Yudt, 10.11.05
"There's no one answer for coming out and no right time to do it." |
|
The road to adulthood is full of challenges, but for gay teens growing up in a homophobic environment, this transition can be particularly rough. Many young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) face rejection, scorn, and even violence from their peers and family.
The Point Foundation believes that LGBTQ students who excel in the face of adversity deserve financial support and mentoring that can help them reach their goals. To that end, each year, the Point Foundation awards scholarships for college and graduate school to a group of extraordinary LGBTQ students.
Three of this year's Point Scholars spoke to teenwire.com about their own coming out experiences; what sustained and supported them in the face of discrimination; and their advice for young people who are thinking about coming out.
 Ryan Miller grew up in Austin, TX, where he faced a great deal of homophobia as a young person. Nevertheless, he excelled in school and became class president his senior year. He's focusing on journalism at the University of Texas in Austin and hopes to play a positive force in young people's lives — particularly LGBTQ teens — as a future journalism teacher. "There's no one answer for coming out and no right time to do it," he says. Check out Ryan's story of coming out to his family at Thanksgiving dinner.
 Michelle Marzullo was born in Danbury, CT. She's currently at American University, studying anthropology, with a concentration in race, gender, and social justice. After coming out as a teenager, she was shunned by her family, friends, and peers. But Michelle took her personal struggles and channeled them into passionate activism for gender equality and LGBTQ rights. "I knew that even though I was getting this really bad reception in my personal life, that there was this movement that was larger than me," she says. Listen to Michelle's thoughts about the gay community and how it gave her hope and inspiration.
 Julian Breece is from Washington, DC. He graduated with honors from Harvard University and is now a graduate student in cinema and television production at the University of Southern California. Growing up amid discrimination and prejudice, he found refuge in literature and the arts. As a filmmaker, he strives to give a voice and a face to LGBTQ people and people of color. "It's great to be around so many diverse, affirmative queer voices," he says. Hear Julian's advice to young people who are thinking about coming out. |
|
|
|
Printable Version
Email this page