Adolescence and the development of individual sexual identity are not easy for many people. However, this process can become even more complicated for those who find themselves in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Many questions can arise around the subject of coming out to friends and family and the effect this will have on their lives. The national organization Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays was developed to provide support for those who find themselves in this situation.
This year, the San Diego PFLAG is offering three $1,000 scholarships to lesbian, gay, transgender or bisexual students who currently attend a post-secondary school institution or plan to in the fall of 2003. Scholarships will be awarded based on participation in leadership in community activities, determination and potential to achieve goals and demonstration of financial need.
These scholarships, the David Birnbaum Memorial Scholarship, the John Bessemer Memorial Scholarship and the Mary Wagner Memorial Scholarship, are awarded to full-time students for one academic year. To apply, one must submit a completed application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors or advisers and an essay. The deadline to apply is April 21. All scholarship winners must be available to attend the awards ceremony on May 26. Applications can be obtained at the Financial Aid office or at the San Diego PFLAG Web site, http://www.pflag.com.
PFLAG’s mission statement affirms, “”PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights.””
The PFLAG organization’s purpose is “”threefold: It supports families, friends and gay persons as they share concerns and seek comfort and affirmation. It educates the public to help it gain an understanding of gay persons, and it advocates for gay rights,”” said Olivia Dorman, secretary of the San Diego County PFLAG.
One of last year’s winners was UCSD student Diana Chase.
“”We hope that scholarship winners will complete their education, work in their chosen fields and contribute positively to the community while simultaneously serving as role models and perhaps activists for the LGBT community,”” Dorman said.
The San Diego Branch, founded in 1982, holds monthly meetings in Carlsbad and San Diego. These meetings offer a safe and supportive place for friends, parents and members of the LGBT community to share their experiences. At these confidential meetings, many people share their stories and feel a common bond with others in attendance who have experienced many of the same trials.
“”Parents can help their gay child by working out the parents’ own fears and concerns about their LGBT daughter or son. Many parents of kids just coming out find comfort in meeting and talking with other parents who have ‘been there, done that,’ and are alive, happy and well,”” Dorman said.
Some of these stories, including one by Gene Shalit, a contributer to NBC’s “”Today,”” can be found on the Web site.
PFLAG also offers educational programs that provide knowledge that facilitates the understanding of the sexually diverse population. The organization makes many resources available for those who want to come out and those that are affected by the news, including a lending library, speakers’ bureau, a monthly newsletter and a telephone help line: (619)-579-7640.
Any questions about scholarship applications should be directed to Olivia Dorman at (619) 469-1924.