Beloved Arise, a national organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering LGBTQIA+ youth of faith, is hosting our annual Queer Youth of Faith National Essay Contest. Open to high school seniors residing in the United States, this essay contest awards $10,000 in scholarships and creates a platform for LGBTQ+ youth of any faith, religion, or spiritual community to share their stories.
Scholarship Details
- Annual essay contest awarding $10,000 in scholarships
- Open to high school seniors who identify as LGBTQ+ and are people of faith
- A platform to share stories that inspire and empower other LGBTQ+ youth of faith
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a high school senior, aged 16 to 20
- Residing in the United States
- Identifying as LGBTQ+ and a person of faith
- Essay length between 500-600 words
- Video entry required
Essay Prompt
"According to the Trevor Project (2022), one in five LGBTQ youth report that their religion or spirituality is important to them. As a queer person of faith, what traditions, rituals, and/or practices make you feel joy, peace, and a sense of belonging?"
Application Process
- Write a 500-600 word essay sharing your story at the intersection of faith and queerness
- Create a video entry to accompany your essay
- Complete and sign the Essay Contest Consent & Release Form
- Submit your essay, video, and signed form to enter the contest
The Queer Youth of Faith National Essay Contest by Beloved Arise celebrates the courage and voices of LGBTQ+ youth who navigate faith with authenticity. Five winners will be announced by June 30th on #QYFDAY. If you have any questions, please reach out via email.