Amelia Michelle Sanford LGBTQIA+ Memorial Scholarship

As an LGBTQIA+ student who was also raised in the Mormon Church, I can say that I have had my share of heartache. I have had family tell me that being queer is a disease and I am just confused, I've been told to stop talking about it with my friends, who also happen to be my safe space, otherwise, I wouldn't be allowed to talk to them again, and I constantly fear the rest of my family finding out. One of my greatest fears is reaching the end of my life only to find the God I had been told to worship, that I had been told had unconditional love, actually had a condition against being queer. I have played soccer my whole life, and in it, I have found people who relate to me, people I can confide in. Soccer has always been a way for me to escape the world and focus on winning. When I play, there is no fear of the future. No fear of who I am. I can be who I want without complaint. Soccer has always been so freeing for me in that way. It has taught me to be strong and to have courage, which has translated to all aspects of my life. Now, as I prepare to walk into the real world after high school, I look back at my struggles and fears, at everything I have learned about myself on the field with a soccer ball under my cleat. I have come to find beauty in my queerness. I have never before believed so strongly that God and Jesus Christ love me no matter what. I can be who I want, and as I continue playing the Beautiful Game, I will find freedom in knowing there will always be a place for me and people like me. In the future, I hope to share my story with other queer youth who might be going through something similar or who just need a safe space. I hope to be that safe space for them. In a world where people continuously shout their opinions, trying to hurt others who walk outside their vision of right and wrong, I hope to provide a sanctuary where queer youth can come to find some peace and quiet, especially if they have experienced any sort of religious trauma. I want to assure them that they are not alone, they are not confused or a mistake, and that they are loved.