By Deborah Stone

PFLAG Denver kicked off its second annual Scholarship Program to recognize students who have a proven track record of leadership and have done outstanding work in advancing the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning students in their schools and communities.

The PFLAG Denver Board of Directors established the program last year, after conducting a thorough review of scholarship programs offered by other PFLAG chapters, like- minded organizations, and knowledgable colleagues. From these organizations and individuals the Board was able to identify best practices and to benefit from lessons others had learned.

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Congratulations to our 2011 winners

Karen Rojas, Brenna Baker and Juliet Letteney

Brenna Baker

Colorado Academy

Mills College

Brenna plans to study molecular biology

“In all of my activism, I’ve found the most harmful manifestation of homophobia is when people, even those who are supportive, treat queerness as an oddity and are uncomfortable talking about it. Dialogue is the most effective way to combat homophobia, and as I move forward I will continue inviting open conversations to en-courage understanding and acceptance.”

Littleton High School

University of Colorado, Boulder

Karen plans to study pre-med

“As a part of the LGBTQ community, I not only support but stand up for people. For some kids, school is the most terrifying place to go, where they get bul-lied and discrimi-nated against for who they are. Eve-ryone needs that one person to be there for them.”

Littleton High School

Colorado State University in Ft Collins

Juliet plans to study psychology

“As a straight ally, I’ve had several friends come out and always felt that they deserve to feel as safe and accepted as everyone else does. I would love to see a world where we define ourselves as humans first, unified in a way that our differences wouldn’t divide us, but simply allow us to be individuals under an umbrella of humanity.

Thinking of applying in 2012?

Come back to this site in early January for an application, or see your school’s GSA advisor. Until then, here are some of the major milestones.

Following the example of the national PFLAG organization and multiple chapters across the country, PFLAG Denver’s Scholarship Program is awarding one or more scholarships in 2012 to exceptional graduating Colorado high school students.

Our goal is to recognize, assist, and encourage LGBTQ students and straight allies to continue post-secondary education, and to promote a positive image of LGBTQ youth. We expect that young people who have demonstrated outstanding, direct support to the LGBTQ community and advocated equality for all will continue to do so on their campuses and in their communities.

Evaluation is based upon demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, and involvement in the LGBTQ community.