Scar Rulien, equalpride’s inaugural Valedictorian for the Class of 2024, delivered a poignant and inspiring speech emphasizing the power of choice and the significance of embracing one’s identity. As a nonbinary student and advocate for GLSEN, Rulien shared personal anecdotes about their journey to self-acceptance, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way.
In their speech, Rulien reflected on the importance of names and the choices we make regarding our identities. They humorously recounted how their mother almost named them Jeff, a name that didn’t fit their true self. Instead, Rulien chose the name Scar, acknowledging the irony but embracing the power of self-naming. This choice symbolized their journey towards self-discovery and the empowerment that comes with it.
Rulien’s address also touched on the broader issues faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Citing statistics from the Trevor Project, they brought attention to the alarming rates of bullying and mental health challenges within the community. Rulien urged their peers to reflect on their high school experiences, consider the impact of their choices, and strive to be more supportive and compassionate towards each other.
The speech underscored the ongoing struggle for acceptance and the importance of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. Rulien acknowledged the hardships many face, including the battle for correct name recognition and the fear of revealing one’s true identity. They emphasized the need for visibility and support, offering words of hope and encouragement to those still fighting for acceptance.
Rulien concluded with a powerful message of resilience and hope, reminding everyone that despite the challenges, it does get better. They envisioned a future where acceptance is the norm and encouraged their fellow graduates to continue living their authentic, beautiful lives. Scar Rulien’s speech not only celebrated their own journey but also served as a rallying cry for greater acceptance and understanding within the LGBTQ+ community.