Robert Gahan Scholarship

The fact that LGBTQ+ individuals face more targeted and violent discrimination compared to heterosexuals is genuinely astounding. Every time I hear a homophobic comment, I begin to feel anxious that it will be directed towards me. While yes, being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is more widely accepted now compared to the 80’s, homophobia is still prevalent. Although I am not ashamed of my sexuality, I live in Stillman Valley--like Robert Gahan, and due to this environment, I am reluctant to tell my peers whom I love out of fear that they would treat me differently. From a young age, I felt alienated from those in my small rural community. I was discriminated against for years because of how I looked and my sexual orientation. Despite attempting to keep this aspect of my life hidden, word went around the school fast that I liked girls. Unfortunately, my attempts at blending in, like a chameleon hides from its predators, had not worked. Not only was being overweight embarrassing enough for a ten-year-old, but feeling different from every single person in the school was even worse. I lost my friends and was harassed on social media and in school. This torment I received from my friends led me into a deep depression, where I became suicidal and thought I was disgusting. Because of these thoughts, especially at such a young age, I was urged to go to therapy by my school counselor. Little did I know that from this recommendation, I would come to realize that there is not something wrong with me. To explain, when selecting which therapist I wished to communicate with, there was an option for “LGBTQ+ Friendly.” I could not believe it. I could talk with someone who understood what I was going through. These two minuscule words completely changed my outlook on life. From then on, I understood I wanted to be a psychologist who focused on children. It will be my very own name like I had seen before, and it will have “LGBTQ+ Friendly” next to it. Despite having a safe, welcoming spot where children and teenagers can come talk to me in the future, I have always been an advocate against LGBTQ+ discrimination. From the moment I could grasp the concept of discrimination, I advocated against it. I would make social media posts arguing that individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community deserve human rights, too, as absurd as it may seem that this is an actual debate. I would stick up for those who, like me, were bullied in the halls for being “wrong” and “so gay.” From these small moments of bravery, monumental change was made. Eventually, the bullying stopped, and I recognized that advocating truly does bring about change. So, to answer the question of what can be done to ensure that future classes experience less and less of that discrimination, I have a simple answer: be an advocate. By becoming a psychologist, I will be able to work in schools or in a facility, allowing me to advocate against discrimination of all kinds, but specifically LGBTQ+ discrimination. I will have open and honest conversations with children that will hopefully show them that there is nothing wrong or unnatural about loving another person, even if they are of the same gender. I can help run or set up pride clubs where members of the LBGTQ+ community, or even allies, can talk about their experiences and celebrate their differences. Normalizing talk about the LGBTQ+ community will ultimately reduce the stigma surrounding queer individuals and the discrimination they face.