2005 POINT SCHOLARS

Burton DeWilde

Kalamazoo College

Concentration: Physics, Mathematics, Spanish

Burt came of age in a conservative town in West Michigan, where intolerance and homophobia kept him in the closet, depressed and, at times, suicidal, for several years. Making the most of his situation, Burt devoted himself to extracurriculars and academics--in addition to leading several student organizations, he also graduated salutatorian of his class. After just one week at Kalamazoo College, Burt proudly came out as gay and became a member of the school’s GLBTSO, Kaleidoscope. As the year continued, he took on an increasingly active role in the organization’s many events--in the spring, he helped organize a high school outreach program for the Day of Silence and also edited a full-length, tongue-in-cheek episode of Queer Eye for the ‘K’ Guy. The year culminated in his election as a leader for the upcoming school year, during which Burt organized a series of activities for National Coming Out Week, volunteered for the Human Rights Campaign, invited prominent speakers to campus, and organized the largest drag-themed ball in Michigan. He also participated in, volunteered on, and was interviewed about this year’s Day of Silence, among other endeavors. Currently, Burt is studying abroad in a small, conservative town in Spain, doing what he can to fight for equality — en español.

In Burton’s own words: “When I came out, my mom said that it would hurt my chances for success in the future. Every day I work to ensure that my future—and that of all queer youth—will be successful, regardless of sexual orientation."