2007 POINT SCHOLARS

Steven Dry

Emory University

Religion

Steve spent his childhood in a small, Houston suburb. He was a member of both a very conservative church and Boy Scout troop, where influential leaders spoke out against homosexuality. Hostile messages such as these shaped his opinions and festered in his mind. Struggling to understand why he was gay, he felt marginalized by his religion and by God.

In 2001, Steve moved to a conservative town in Boston, where the ignorance of his white, Christian community pushed him further into the closet. Instead of reconciling with his sexuality, he concealed it, delving deeper into academic and athletic pursuits. In 2005, he came out to his supportive parents, and in 2006, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Currently, Steve attends Emory University, where he is majoring in chemistry and religion. He hurdles for the Emory track team and hopes that his presence is an inspiration to other gay athletes. In addition, he is a member of the President’s Commission for LGBT Concerns and Emory Pride.

Due to his experiences with the exclusive and restrictive church, Steve expects to continue his studies in religion. He hopes to incorporate an ecumenical hermeneutic that seeks an inclusive space within the Christian church for queer individuals.