Generation LGBT

How does an LGBT or ally student qualify to become an Elsie Frank Scholarship recipient? By going above and beyond just joining their high school gay/straight alliance (GSA), said Greater Boston PFLAG Executive Director Pam Garramone, whose organization will award $10,000 in scholarships to six students at its annual fundraiser, Pride and Passion, on April 12. "They take action that changed the climate of the school, literally," Garramone explained



Plenty of students, it seems, are taking action. Greater Boston PFLAG received a record 95 applications from students at 74 high schools statewide for this year’s Elsie Frank Scholarships, named for the late mother of openly gay Congressman Barney Frank, who was active with PFLAG. The pool was narrowed down to 16 semi-finalists, and then winnowed to six winners by a seven-member scholarship committee. Choosing from among a strong and diverse pool of applicants, which included female and male allies, gay and lesbian students, bisexual and transgender students and the children of gay parents, was not an easy task. "It was very difficult because they were all outstanding like you wouldn’t believe," said Garramone, a member of the scholarship committee.



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