Project Pride of NJ Scholarship

Being queer in this world is not a choice, but being yourself is. The anthem of the LGBTQ+ community is to "show your pride". A beautiful mantra but, with all its good intentions forgotten, is tragically dangerous for so many. There are thousands if not millions of people who cannot express themselves for so many reasons present in all areas of the world. In 64 counties is it still a criminal offense to engage in a homosexual relationship. Now think about the person-to-person danger of being queer in these places. There is so much wrong with this world, but I truly believe that WE the people can change these mindsets based on ignorance. In my life, I've seen these attacks against my peers, against myself. I have felt the fear of wanting to stay closeted, yet I still know I am privileged in my current position and safety. I've been a member of GSAs in my community since Grade 7, and in my senior year, I am president. I use my power to spread awareness, truth, and humanity of our message. Creating a safe environment for my peers and educating the opposition is what I do and I plan to continue to do it even after I graduate from this stage in my life. In the future, I plan to use my degree to the best of my ability on top of any other services, I am going into illustration and we all know that "a picture is worth a thousand words in any language". I plan to make pieces establishing the struggles our community faces, to show that we too are humans trying to make it along our paths. To normalize what is completely normal is my goal. I vehemently believe that it is possible to change the minds of thousands if we can just get to them. Another way I plan to make an impact is to take in those who are unfortunately cast aside due to their orientations, in grade 9 I temporarily housed a friend who was kicked out for being transgender. He still is my best friend to this day, and I want to help others facing these exiles due to nothing of their own fault. Day by day, moment to moment we can create change and I want to be able to be that change for someone, for someplace. Each day I get closer and I feel the ripple of the changing tides, slow but steady.