2005 POINT SCHOLARS

Tanene Allison

Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government

Uncommon Legacy Point Scholar

Tanene grew up in an abusive household in a politically conservative and homophobic hometown. After skipping her senior year of high school, she moved to San Francisco with no money and knowing no one. While attending San Francisco State University, Tanene often crashed at friends’ houses and lived in a homeless shelter to survive. Despite these obstacles, Tanene was appointed to political office at age 19 and served as an advisor to San Francisco’s Mayor and Board of Supervisors. After spending a summer in Boston working for gay marriage, Tanene returned to graduate college and now attends Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She believes in the power of politics, art and progressive collation building as ways to fight for further justice for marginalized groups. As an outspoken and out activist, Tanene has advanced the queer rights cause from a policy perspective within Harvard, and plans to continue in leadership work on rights equality.

In Tanene’s own words: “There is such beauty in our work for justice and equality in that we share stories of creating hope where none was given to us. It is an honor to use my life in the service of the audacious belief that a better future is possible.”