Encourage LGBTQ Students

Always be unapologetically you. Each and every one of us is beautiful and unique in our own ways.

- Greg S

Be unapologetically YOU! Your voice is strong and worthy of being heard. You totally got this!

- Tara N

Hang in there. I know you guys can suceed because I was able to too.

- Prof. Harold Koopowitz

I wish you COURAGE to pursue your dreams, STRENGTH to be your authentic self and PEACE that comes with knowing you are uniquely you. I am proud to be involved in your educational/life journey and support The Point Foundation. And I am excited to see who each of you become! ❤️

- Susan Rigney

In the fall of 1977, I embarked on a journey to discover myself as an entering freshman at the deeply southern institution of Mississippi State University. I was shy, unsure, maybe unworthy of the challenges of higher education. It is where I first discovered that I was not alone in my journey as a gay scholar. You first come out to yourself, your God, your friends, and then your family. You love yourself so that you can extend that love to others. But it was completing my education that set me on the path to independence, success, then advocacy. Today, anointed with a dubious title as the “Atlanta Gay Godfather” by my LGBTQ business peers of the OutGeorgia chamber of commerce, I reflect on how far we have come as a community of out scholars. We pass the torch of inspiration and support forward and rally in each of your successes and for the impact legacy you will leave to those that choose to follow in your leadership. You’ve got this!

-Louis Gary
Emeritus Board Member
Point Foundation

You are the future, keep up with the good work, your hardworking will be awarded, your inspiration will light up many families.

- Katie Wong

Ya’ll ROCK! You are going to change the world and make everything better for the next generation. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. You totally got this!

- Brian

I’m so pleased to be a small part of your future success. Enjoy the challenges and rewards ahead of you in the school of your choice, and be brave, take chances, and live a little. These will be the best years of your life.

- Erulisse

While the chaos looms in the present, persist to dream of an opportunity that will come like no other. Don’t forget to give yourself breaks through this Fall semester and it’s ok to have a bad day. Stay well. Saludos.

- Arturo Trevino Jr.

You are a wonderful inspiration to all generations, past, present, and future. Carry on!

- Robert Funk

“Fortune,” said Louis Pasteur, “favors the prepared mind.” Prepare diligently in these coming years!
Child rearing during our younger years was unthinkable; you are the next generation we send forth into an uncertain world.
We and all Point Foundation supporters are proud of what you have achieved to this point; we wish you happiness and success. Now, go get ’em!

- Sean Seamster & Hardy Daniel

Courage is being yourself Everyday in a world that tells you to be someone else. All the Best.. 🙂

- Neha

I am so proud of you!

- Maurice Karpman

Congratulations and best wishes. We are so proud of and excited for you as you continue your learning journey.

- Wendell Reid

Never give up – your future is bright and you are capable of achieving all your dreams, no matter how small or big they may seem!

- Juliana Cole

Starting college is hard on so many levels: being away from home, having to recreate yourself in a new environment with new people who do not know you, learning to navigate a huge cumbersome bureaucracy which is supposed to be focused on students but really is just a huge machine, advocating for yourself without your usual support system. All this is very hard. But remember that you have already overcome huge obstacles to get to where you are. You are powerful! You are committed! You can do this!

- Malia Lewis

Cheers to you, dear friends and changemakers, for your hard work, resilience, and determination! We celebrate you and all your accomplishments so far, and look forward to seeing you thrive in university and beyond. Congrats, scholars!

- Kely Van Eaton

Congratulations! As a former participant in the Scholar selection process, I know you are incredible! The work that you have done both academically and for our community is significant, and I want to express gratitude for that. As a former member of the Mentoring Committee, I encourage you to take advantage of all that your mentor has to offer you. And, I want to wish you all the best as you move into the new school year.

- Brian Gorman

We are all so proud of you and wish all the success and love during your years of higher education. Thank you for the dedication, hard work and commitment you have made to the LGBTQ+ community; we are deeply grateful. Now, go out into the world and continue to “shine on”.

- Tom

Although I don’t know you personally, I am familiar with your struggles to be out, accepted, and to get a good education. As a 65 year old lesbian, when I look back at college, it was a time of extreme stress and confusion. My hope and advice to you is to get the best education you can and as much as you can. Surround yourself with people who accept you just as you are because you deserve to be loved.

- Suzanne Whatley

Congratulations to each and every one of you on being selected as 2021 Point Scholars! As a school counselor, I wish you the best success in your college and career! Each and every one of you are wonderful, smart, handsome/beautiful, hard-working, and a blessing to every one around you! Straighten your crown, be proud, and shine bright like a diamond! Never let anyone dull your sparkle! Sincerely, Joe Murphy, Jr

- Joe Murphy Jr

Keep up the great work! Representation of our community is essential and inspirational for the younger generation to follow! Great work and congrats!

- Chris

You are about to enter an absolutely thrilling time of your life: a time when each of you will be creating your own future. Especially for undergraduates, your imminent opportunities will be unlike anything you have experienced to date. Take full advantage of academics, of friendships, of the diversity of the student population, of the knowledge of your professors, and of the horizon-broadening that comes from participating in extra-curricular activities. Do all this knowing that we believe in you, that you will sometimes struggle, but that you will ultimately be stronger, wiser and more prepared to take your place in a rapidly changing world that we expect you will help mold and shape in your image. Good luck from your Point Foundation family.

- John Jay

Hello to this years Scholar class. You are a great inspiration to those of us who support The Point Foundation. You will no doubt continue the mission of Point to develop future leaders in our communities and professions. You will aid all those marginalized and under represented members of our community. Be safe, take care of your fellows and be proud of your accomplishments. You are our future.

- Elliott Mitchell

Look at all those beautiful smiling faces in blue Point shirts! Go onto the campus in ALL of your glorious color, not just blue, with your creativity, intellect, vigor and of course the courage you have already shown!! Soak up all that is worthwhile and exciting, and speak up all of your confusions, thoughts and insights. And best in college, develop all of the rewarding, diverse relationships you can!! We delight in being behind you!!

- Warren

Always know that there are many many people who believe in you and support you and that you must never stop believing in yourself. Your challenges will be hard but the rewards can be great. DON’T GIVE UP!

- Danny

You are worthy, you are loved, you are exactly where you need to be in this moment… Congratulations on receiving this amazing Point support! 🎉⭐❤️

- Dr Michelle Carnes, 2007 Point Alum

As the wife of a past Point Scholar and current Board Member, let me say how bright your future is with the help of education through Point! We are SO THRILLED to welcome you into this community and can’t wait to continue cheering you on!!

- Jill Wohlner

You are beautiful. You are loved. You will achieve great things!

- Rachel

Be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

- Ada

My wife and I have been together 41 years and married 7 years. In my ‘era’ we simply didn’t tell our families and left home as soon as possible to find our gay families. My wife never did tell her parents, even though they loved me and her older sister is gay also.
Acceptance comes at a slow pace. Be patient, understanding and forgiving. The biological family is the hardest, but the gay family will always be there to support you. We are now 77 and 66 yrs old and the biological family has grown up and have become more understanding. If that is important to you, then be patient.. Sometimes with maturity, the “light” goes on.
the light goes on.

- Cheryl and Nancy

It’s easy to think you’re alone in this world, or wrong, or different, but I promise you couldn’t be more wrong. Now more than ever you have a strong and loving community that has your back no matter who you find out you are. Almost everyone in that community can tell you that we know what you’re going through, we’ve BEEN you, and it really and truly does get better. Keep in mind, there is no right or wrong way to be LGBTQ+. This is your story, and no matter what other people try to tell you the voice in your own head is the only one worth listening to. You have the chance to one day help make a change and to inspire those who feel the same way you do now, the first step is learning how to be proud 🙂

- Sophie McGranaghan

By leading the way, you’re paving the way for young children like my grandchildren who will find greater opportunities and a kinder world because of your dedicated service, your voice and authenticity! Thank you!

- Beth Hossfeld

If opportunity doesn’t knock, you must build a door. You are powerful beyond measure and there is only ONE of you, that is your greatest asset and your superpower. Like Dr. Seuss said: “Why fit in when you were born to stand out”

- Elaine Montilla

For the next generation, for our community, and ourselves, we have to embrace diversity and respect one another. To love yourselves and extend our love to everyone and be inclusive.

- Laibing Rhodes

Please be an author of your life. and trust the author!

- Haesim Park

You are important. You are loved. You are here. You got this <3.

- yamani rikia vinson

You are the change-makers of the future. Your voices and your stories inspire people everywhere. Light up the darkness, my friends!

- Betty Miller

You are not alone 🙂

- Arisdo Marbun

it gets better. i swear to god it gets better. everything in the world might be against you right now, and i know i sound like a broken record, but i swear to you now on my heart it gets better. one day you will be standing in the sun, happy and resplendent with people you love, and you will leave your heaviness behind.

- sophia

Change is inevitable and that alone is comforting. For with change, comes growth and empowerment.

- Dru Forbes

Always know that in life things will want to make you quit, but as long as you remember what your dreams are anything will become possible.

- carlos mendez

Education has served me well over the years. It is my joy to be in a position to offer a hand up to you as you walk the road of knowledge. Be strong, be kind, and use your brain. Mitakuye oyasin.

- Sandra G

As a Point Scholar, I want to say I am proud of you as a future scholar embracing your imperfections to inspire others and take action on improving society one small step at a time. My job for the next generation is to prepare folks like you to excellent in skills for your career and to stay open-minded. That is my legacy and passion in society. You have your passion inside and I have no doubt you will use your incredible scholarly talent to make a different for your next generation!

- Robert Lee Gutierrez

Life itself as well one’s personal circumstances can place us on a rough road with many challenges to have to deal with as we try to follow the unclear course we find ourselves undertaking. But if you can honor your individual integrity by staying true to your own intuition’s promptings, believing in your own unique qualities and striving to be all you have been meant to be, you will make your way forward, realizing that the understanding, fellowship and caring affirmation of all of us who have walked the road ahead can be counted on to support and reach out along your way.

- John Prybot

learn to be successfull

- Dilcy

As a 70 yr old gay man I am proud to support The Point Foundation which has and will continue to support and provide opportunities for the LGBTQ community. Be proud of who you are and remember you are valued and loved by supporters such as myself and many others. I know you will make a difference in the world and the LGBTQ community. Like myself you are strong and focused. I love and admire all of you. May God bless and watch over you.

- Norman Diekow

“If you don’t have any shadows, then you’re not standing in the light.” -Lady Gaga
Know that there will be bad days, but your willingness to be yourself will shine through and it inspires others to do the same. And remember, YOU MATTER!

- Ben Decker

Life is bittersweet. Please know that pain is temporary; no matter how long it takes, there is joy waiting for you. You are loved, even if by people you haven’t met yet. Give yourself a chance to find your chosen family, please. I love you.

- Kate Kesner

Whatever is ahead for you, your time in college will be when ‘it gets better’ really takes hold. Values are different there; goals are different there; people are different there, and these will all work to help give you a better, more productive, and more satisfying life in the years ahead. It sure did for me!

- John I Jay

No matter who you are or what you identify as, your voice and life MATTERS! May God bless you and may your hopes and dreams be fulfilled ❤️

- Jordan F.

Nobody gets to tell you who you are, where you belong, or what you can accomplish. All things are possible if you believe in yourself. I certainly believe in you, because I’ve been there.

- Trans Grad Admissions Counselor

You’re going to do great! We are here for you, and we’ve got your back.

- Anonymous

I am so happy to support you in pursuing your hopes and dreams for yourself and your community. All my best wishes!

- Charlie Muller

I never met a strong person with an easy childhood.

- Patrick Lavilla

Education is a viable tool to fight against discrimination. Be proud!

- Nelson Jarrin

You must think about what’s important to you; how willing you are to make others happy or how willing you are to make sure you happiness. This is your life and you should live it.

- Brandon Alaniz

Just because you haven’t found your family yet doesn’t mean it isn’t out there. It is, and they can’t wait to meet you.

- Esther

No matter who u are or what sexuality u have.YOUR LIFE MATTERS!

- Analese Reyna

When you fail keep looking forward and don’t look back. This failure is like the ending of another chapter in your life story and you need to use that to learn and move on. Thankfully with every difficulty that you come upon it is just another opportunity to better yourself.

- Daniela Arzola

Do what your heart is telling you to do. The most liberating feeling is doing work deeply connected to your values and what you believe in.

- Cody Thompson

Always remember that you need to live your life for yourself. Don’t waste time pleasing others. This is your life and it’s all you get, so you need to spend how you want to spend it. Spend it with people who care about you.

- Kat Scott

In your darkest moment don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is a whole community out there who can empathize with your struggles. Let them be there for you through the tough times, and one day you can do the same for others.

- Salman Ibrahim

No one can tell you what to be, or what to do. Ever.

- Georgina

Work towards what’s important to you, not what others tell you is important. Nothing is too small or insignificant if it brings you joy and supports your well-being.

- Ira Rollins

Remember that you are made of the same atoms everyone else is made up of. We all consist of the same stardust, the stuff of the universe; we are all humans, and humans are the product of millions of years of growth. The same dust that caused the big bang is the same dust that flows through your veins on a molecular level. We have all seen the death of stars, the birth of galaxies; we are all full of endings and beginnings. We are all human, and therefore, we should all be equal.

- Savannah Cook

Make life an adventure. Live, Laugh, & Love.

- Evameely Vargas

The faces of Point Foundation scholars and alumni are the faces of hope. Collectively, they light up one of the regions of endeavor where human decency is maintained and in which fundamental goodness truly persists. The optimistic striving of each and every one of them is meaningful in respect of the sacredness of the human spirit, in the context of each precious individual who makes up the whole. The visibility of these scholars dispels ignorance and affirms the proud place of all LGBTQI youth in the human community.

- Ira Morgan

The real deamons are the people who deamonize. Listen to the voice inside you that wants to help others. You can lift those people up and it will lift you up. Never be afraid to take up space. People will want you to be submissive, weak and afraid. Show them your strength. No one has been through more than you have. Picture your future and you will find yourself closer to it with each bold step you take.

- Frank


Access Your Dreams!

- Heather Taylor


No matter how life brought you down always remember, every person who has ever done something great or changed the world is just a person just like you. No better no worse.

- William Parker

To those generations who have carved the path for today’s LGBTQ+, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is with your dedication that we are able so colorfully express our lives in today’s world.

- Max

you are beautiful, no matter what others say and think about your sexuality. Embrace you and only think I don’t care about the critiques. YOU ARE PERFECT!!

- BRIANNA

No matter your sexuality, we must fight for our LGBTQ+ community and strive for equality in every aspect from maltreatment to underrepresentation in the media! You exist, you are beautiful, but more importantly, you are valid.

- Kevin Contreras

We all love you!! Please don’t stop educating people about how absolutely amazing we are!! – An Ace, A Pan, A Bi, a Lesbian, and 3 straight allies

- Talor & Robert Turner High School's GSA

No matters of discriminatory policy or injustice can stop you from being you. Ultimately you being true to your authentic self is what will make a difference in this world. There’s nothing about homogeneity in our U.S. motto “e pluribus unum.” There’s only one you, so do it honestly and unabashedly.

- Megan

Our future depends on you. You are smart. Don’t stop learning and conquering the world. Now more than ever.

- Anonymous

My husband and I are honored to be in a position where we can help protect your backs and ease you through, at least a little bit, all of the adversity. We are equally proud to entrust our future to all of you as each of you step out into the world. You are our future leaders, and we are glad we can assist you in getting there.

- Thomas Wilczak, Esq.

Use Point as an opportunity to take advantage of all that your campus offers to help discover who you are. College is far more than just academics. Friends, events, concerts, games, long conversations as well as study sessions, class and labwork will help you grow into an interesting and successful citizen. At a time when our country is going through such a challenging political upheaval and when opportunities for LGBTQI people are opening up more and more, I cannot think of a better time for you to be preparing for your future. Go grab it and make the best of this remarkable opportunity. There is no one best way. Find the best way for you and go for it!

- John Jay

You are loved! Believe in yourself. You have the inner motivation to achieve your goals. Tap into it and push to achieve.

- Eric Nelson

Believe in your goals and your power to achieve them. It’s amazing what we can achieve when we let ourselves believe we can do great things. It gets easier with time to live as our authentic selves. When we are unapologetically ourselves and have good intentions, it can help change hearts and minds. Do you!

- Kelly

Remember love will always over power the messages of hate we all hear. Love can and will conquer all. Always

- Xandra Young

Don’t let any part of you be compromised by someone else’s beliefs. Live the way you were meant to, and don’t let others bring you down for it. You can be anyone you want to be. We’re all imperfect, and that’s what makes us each unique.

- Ash

I am someone who has a strong mind and positive believe in life no matter what I gone through. Life will hit you at some point, but it is your choice to stand up again and take control over what it has arrived so far. Sometime without those darkness period of your life, you would not know how to perform life the way you want it. you might think it is the right way to live your life, but it is not at all. I hope all of us always stay strong and keep going to the point you want to be in life even sometime it is hard to walk to.

- chanda

Feelings before labels! Regardless of what you end up identifying, you’re still you! And you are a good person who deserved to be happy and deserves to be loved

- Devin

Just know that things will get better. The last thing my dad say to me when I was moving out was “this will be good for you”. I’m now a senior at a university and have a career job a year earlier than expected. Stay positive and work hard. Great things will come your way. I believe in every single one of you.

- Zoe

Love is stronger than hate. Don’t succumb to the hatred of others.

- Danny

When I was in high school, I was super insecure about both my masculine and my feminine personality traits. I never wanted to be fully masculine or fully feminine. But as soon as I began to spend time with myself, I began to understand. I am now an elegant and brawny androgynous dressing man with a passion for helping others discovering themselves. The message is to spend more time with yourself (have conversations with yourself if needed) and think deeper about yourself. That’s when you start to love yourself. And soon enough, the wrong people in your life will become noticed,and the ones who embrace you will reveal themselves with an open mind. In a world so bent on association of gender identity and personalities with sexual, social, and societal acceptability, being true to who you are and loving it is strongly needed. Break free of your societal and mental barriers, and watch how you evolve into the magnificent beings you weare all meant to be.

- Stevonnie (Steven)

When I was younger, I was mercilessly bullied and was called “gay”, “faggot” and “queer” in the most derivative way possible. But tomorrow, June 4th, 2016, I will be graduating as the very gay valedictorian of my class. No matter what people tell you, you are worth it. You are loved. You are equal. Don’t ever give up on yourself.

- Matthew Garza

Always be yourself and never let anyone stand in your way or bring you down. Many can be unaccepting, but if you accept yourself, nobody else’s acceptance matters. You are YOU, don’t ever change because of someone else.

- Cheyenne Resseguie

In the country I come from, religion places a heavy burden on the shoulders of those that are found ‘different’. Do not let it happen to you. May you have your own faith, may you do not, believe that you are just perfect the way you are. Respect their points of view but, nicely, demand respect for yourself as well.
Live and let the others live. Tolerance and understanding is the key.

- Marcelo Pombo

Never allow negativity to dominate. The subject of my new biography, Romaine Brooks: A life is a prime example. A solo show devoted to her art will open at the Smithsonian American Art Museum June 10th. Never give up-you will make it better. I did.

- Cassandra Langer

Don’t let anybody tell you are not perfect and that you are a disgrace, because you are not. Love is Love and there is not changing it.

- Shania

Stay strong and live authentically! It’s funner that way.

- Alex

Find what you are good at, and then do something with it. Something you love, something that makes you grow, something that makes you HAPPY!

- Christian Cornielles

Forget who everyone else want you too be. Live for you and be true to yourself, unapologetically.

- Salihah

The work you guys are doing will change lives!!!
Thank You

- Kris

You can find your people! We are here waiting for you as weird as you think you are – we will love you for it!

- Lianna

Live for yourself

- Amber

Live, don’t just exist

- Ace

When others say something negative don’t let it bring you down instead let it make you stronger. It is not easy but it is possible. I lived in Nevada and had to learn how to do so.

- Jeanette

We do a lot of things in life with the hopes that we will one day be happy, but we are already living yesterday’s tomorrow. We are living in the time that we fought for a year or two ago. So let yourself be happy NOW, and be true to who you are. In other words, ‘why wait for something to come tomorrow, when you can have it today?’

- John E. Walker

Don’t let them get to you and tear you down. Be strong and carry on! You’re stronger than them. You’re more in control of your emotions than they are. Take pride in who you are!

- Grace

You are stronger and more capable than you could ever imagine. All you need to do is believe in yourself! I believe in you too.

- Adam Crowley

You deserve to live your life authentically.

- Julie Mellen

Be great!

- Eugene P

Seize the opportunity and go for it!

- Mike Yamagata

Stay focused and never, ever give up.

- Christina Morrison

Don’t let anyone hold you back.

- Josh Riman

Everyone deserves to follow their dreams!

- John Kapenga

Let Point take you to new, exciting places!

- Zach Brown