The LGBT Network is excited to announce the first Pride Scholarship Fund: the Estuardo Cifuentes Scholarship for LGBT Young Latinx People. This scholarship is made possible by the generous commitment of Estuardo Cifuentes, a dedicated LGBT Latinx activist.
About the Pride Scholarship Fund
The Pride Scholarship Fund is a vital initiative aimed at making the LGBT Network’s essential services and programs accessible to all, particularly for LGBT youth facing unique and often severe challenges. The Estuardo Cifuentes Scholarship will provide comprehensive support for one member of our community for an entire year, ensuring they have access to life-saving resources offered by the LGBT Network.
A Message from Estuardo Cifuentes
“I am thrilled to be funding this scholarship,” Estuardo shares. “As an LGBT Latinx activist, I understand that LGBT Latinx youth face unique challenges, ranging from racial and homophobic discrimination to a lack of representation in many spaces. Many LGBT Latinx youth encounter additional barriers due to their identity. They not only have to fight against prejudices related to their sexual orientation or gender identity but also face obstacles tied to their Latinx heritage, such as language barriers, limited financial resources, and, in many cases, their own or their families’ immigration status. These barriers often prevent them from accessing the same opportunities as their peers.
For me and my husband, funding this scholarship is not just an act of charity, but an act of justice. It’s a way to ensure that these young people are not rendered invisible, that their dreams are not cut short by their circumstances, and that they have the same chances for success as anyone else. It’s a commitment to a future where diversity is celebrated, and where all individuals, regardless of who they are or where they come from, have the opportunity to shine. It’s a chance to tell them that their lives and contributions are valuable, and that they deserve the same access to opportunities as anyone else, no matter the circumstances or limitations the world has placed upon them.”
Our Commitment to Safe Spaces
The Estuardo Cifuentes Scholarship serves as a powerful reminder of our commitment to creating Safe Spaces within the LGBT community. We are immensely grateful for Estuardo’s generosity and dedication, which will empower young LGBT Latinx individuals to pursue their dreams and break down the barriers they face.
Thank you for supporting the LGBT Network and our mission to create safe spaces for the LGBT community.