Coming out to family can be an incredibly daunting experience, particularly when one fears rejection from those they love. This was the reality for a recent high school valedictorian whose Southern Baptist parents disowned him after he revealed his sexual orientation. Fortunately, compassionate individuals stepped in to support him when it seemed that his dreams of attending college were slipping away.
Jordan Smith, a standout student from Jacksonville, Florida, graduated high school with an impressive 4.16 GPA. He had aspirations of attending Georgetown University in the fall; however, he faced significant financial barriers and could not rely on his parents for help.
In a remarkable act of kindness, his former biology teacher, Lisa Thompson, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his college expenses. “Earlier this year, Seth’s parents issued him an ultimatum,” Thompson explained. “He could either continue attending a church that openly denounced his identity or leave home. For his safety and mental health, he chose to leave.”
Reflecting on that painful moment, Jordan shared, “As I was packing my things, I hoped my mom would stop me and say, ‘I love you more than my beliefs.’” Sadly, this was not the case.
Statistics show that Jordan’s experience is not unique; the Pew Research Center reports that nearly 39% of LGBTQ adults in America have faced rejection from their family or friends due to their sexual orientation.
Despite these challenges, Jordan remained determined to pursue his education. “I was the kid in fifth grade dreaming about being an astronaut, always glued to a book,” he recalled. However, his financial aid from Georgetown was contingent on his parents’ support. His GoFundMe page detailed that after appealing the financial aid decision with letters from mental health professionals and mentors, Georgetown stood firm, leaving him with a daunting $20,000 bill for his first year.
Then, the donations began to roll in. “When we reached $2,000, Jordan was shocked that people truly cared about him,” Thompson stated. Both Jordan and Thompson have expressed their intention to establish a scholarship for others facing similar situations if Georgetown revises his financial aid package.
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Summary
Jordan Smith, a high school valedictorian rejected by his family for being gay, received overwhelming support from his community in the form of a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $100,000 for his college education. His story highlights the challenges many LGBTQ individuals face and the importance of community support in pursuing one’s dreams.
Keyphrase
LGBTQ college support
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