All too often young LGBT individuals continue to find themselves disowned by family and cut off from financial resources as they seek to further their education and enroll in college. I have personal friends who suffered this sad fate and this reality is part of what motivated me to provide the initial endowment for the George D. and Marion Phelps Hamar/HRBOR scholarship nearly 2 years ago to aid LGBT students in financial need. Apparently, the University of Missouri-Kansas City seemingly recognized the unique needs of LGBT applicants who have been cast out by "godly Christian" parents and left to their own devices for financing their education. The result is a scholarship at that university. Here are highlights via the Kansas City Star:
For all the increasing public acceptance of same-sex marriage (in Washington and elsewhere), for all the backlash against antigay bullying, for all the popularity of a TV show like “Modern Family,” which features a same-sex couple …
It’s still not always easy being gay. Even on a college campus. After all, if your parents just found out you’re gay and aren’t exactly cool with it, your days on that campus might be numbered. Especially if they’re footing the bills.
University of Missouri-Kansas City officials started talking about what they could do to help in that situation, and four years ago created a scholarship for gay students who suddenly find themselves facing a financial crisis. Two students got the scholarship in 2009-10, the first year. The following year: one. This school year? Three.
“This year was the greatest need we’ve seen,” says Kristi Ryujin, UMKC’s assistant vice chancellor for diversity, access and equity. “We have a long way to go still.”
The Pride Empowerment Scholarship is thought to be fairly unusual. The annual breakfast that raises money for it is Thursday; the event is sold out. National Public Radio White House correspondent Ari Shapiro, who was on campus in March for a pride event, tweeted afterward: “Real privilege to speak at UMKC tonight. The school raises $ to help students whose parents kick them out for being gay. Bravo.”
Since the scholarship was first offered, eight students have been awarded it. Files says he’s aware of the situations of this year’s other two recipients. One family basically said, “Don’t call us anymore.” The other was of the we’re-cutting-you-off variety.
One of this year’s recipients had been living in a “camp space,” Ryujin says. The scholarship goes beyond financial assistance. Ryujin’s office keeps tabs on students and connects them with other campus resources, such as the university’s counseling center. UMKC also has an LGBTQIA Resource Center and a Pride Alliance student group.
Kudos to the University of Missouri-Kansas City! Meanwhile, if any readers would like to contribute to the scholarship I founded, click on the image of my parents on their wedding day at right and make a contribution via the Hampton Roads Community Foundation which administers the scholarship. Be sure to identify the Hamar/HRBOR scholarship as the intended recipient of the tax deductible donation.
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