Introduction
Since 1969, LGBTOUT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals & Trans People of the University of Toronto) has worked to provide support and advocacy for the LGBTQ community. In 2004, recognizing the importance of this legacy, the members of LGBTOUT launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to create student scholarships.
For students who are marginalized by their sexual orientation or gender identity, especially those who have been abandoned by family, friends and other supports, the high cost of a university education can seem like an insurmountable barrier to success. Despite the challenges they face, many of these students make outstanding contributions to our communities.
Our goal in creating the LGBTOUT Student Awards is to provide recognition for these students, who take risks by challenging oppression, and generously serve the community while overcoming unique academic, emotional and financial challenges. The awards will be open to all University of Toronto undergraduate students and will be administered by the Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies. By supporting diversity in the academic environment, we hope the LGBTOUT Student Awards will help to create a greater level of acceptance, respect and tolerance for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
With your help, we can make graduation an accessible dream for students in our communities. Your donations to the LGBTOUT Student Awards scholarship fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Ontario Student Opportunities Trust Fund program. Once our goal is met, the LGBTOUT Student Awards fund will provide three annual scholarships for students in need.
Award Details
The LGBTOUT Student Awards will be given to as many as three University of Toronto students each year, to recognize outstanding volunteer contributions to creating change on campus and in the broader community in relation to lesbian/ gay/ bisexual/ transgender/ queer issues. The Award has been created by Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Trans People at the University of Toronto (LGBTOUT), with funds matched by the Ontario Student Opportunities Trust Fund (OSOTF). The Award is administered by the Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies at University College.
Value of Awards
LGBTOUT is committed to raising funds sufficient to establish an endowment that, with OSOTF matching funds, will total at least $60,000. This will allow three annual awards of approximately $1000 each, to be presented beginning in 2005 or 2006.
Criteria Used For Selecting Award Winners
In order to qualify for the LGBTOUT Student Awards, candidates must be enroled as an undergraduate in any first-entry division on any campus of the University of Toronto, and must have demonstrated financial need and a commitment to academic achievement.
Selection of award winners will be based on the recommendation of a committee named by the Director of the Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies, or in his/her place, the SDS Program Director. That Committee shall include faculty members associated with SDS, and alumni members. Nominations for alumni representatives shall be sought from LGBTOUT.
The Selection Committee will look primarily for outstanding volunteer contributions to creating change on campus or in the community through LGBTQ community service and/or activism. The Committee will also recognize community service or activist engagement that addresses inequities along lines of gender, race, dis/ability, etc. in addition to those based on sexual diversity.