Florida teenager Brooklyn Owen was thrust into the national limelight after her story about the challenges she faced as a young queer person went viral. First, her religiously-devout parents forced her into “conversion therapy” that aimed to turn her straight. Then, in her senior year of high school, she was forced to move out so she was homeless and couch surfing with friends. Yet during all this, Owen maintained a 4.61 GPA, graduated from her Jacksonville FL high school as co-valedictorian, and was accepted to Georgetown University.

But without her parent’s support, Owen’s dream of college was almost cut short, until a former teacher stepped in and started a GoFundMe campaign to cover Owen's tuition. Her story went viral and the campaign closed off at over $141,000. An appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show garnered even more support (including a $25,000 donation).

Now Owen is paying it forward. She decided to use the extra money raised to start Unbroken Horizons, an inclusive scholarship foundation that aims to tackle inequity in education, beginning by offering scholarships to LGBTQ+ youth of color. Unbroken Horizons supports not only LGBTQ+ youth heading to college but also to career, technical, and vocational schools. In recognition of Owen’s journey, she was named to the 2018 OUT100 by Out Magazine.

Currently, Owen is a candidate for the Florida State Senate. She plans on fighting for a better tomorrow where every child has access to an equitable education, every adult has a sustainable career, and climate action is a top priority.

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