I’m in a bit of a dilemma. Every time I come across the opportunity to mark or announce my LGBTQ status on an application, I go to mark “yes”, but then I hesitate.
I haven’t exactly come out to my parents yet, and I don’t think I’m in a position to currently. I was going to wait until college before telling them (if I ever get the guts to do it).
I have friends and even family members who know, but my parents do not know.
Do you think I should check LGBTQ? I feel as if it might help me out some how, but at the same time, I’m terrified of my parents finding out because I marked something on a college/scholarship app…
Consider your personal safety and security first. How do you think your parents would react to your coming out? Sadly, many kids have to worry about their parents kicking them out of the house.
Also investigate the anonymity of the scholarship(s). Some, like the Point Foundation scholarships, expect students to be out and announce the winners of the scholarships. Other scholarships are more discreet.
For admissions, identifying as queer is highly unlikely to affect your application whatsoever. Typically they ask students to identify simply so they can put them in touch with current LGBT students.
You might get a scholarship, which would be great, but the scholarship type would certainly be stated at some point. Also, you might get mail from the LGBTQ center on campus.
You have to do what is right for yourself as far as your relationship for your parents. However, when you do find the school for you, I hope that you will be able to get involved in the LGBTQ community there, I’m sure there will be lots of great activities you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
If you think that your parents will disown you if you told them, then check whether the LGBTQ-specific scholarships you are looking at are full rides. If you get disowned by your parents, it will take a full ride merit scholarship will let you go to college before you are age 24, a military veteran, or married.
I decided not to. On the bright side, I just found out I was nominated for regent’s at UCB and my admission is guaranteed :)!