2006 POINT SCHOLARS

Matt Oertli

Harvard Medical School

Health Professionals and Allied Services

Matt was born and raised in an evangelical Catholic household in south Texas. For many years, the lessons of his church and parents regarding homosexuality instilled in him a sense of self-loathing which resulted in an ongoing depression and frequent bouts with bulimia. Following his coming out and parents’ divorce, Matt began to seek refuge at the homes of friends where he felt accepted and more able to grow emotionally and intellectually.

Despite the turmoil at home, Matt never ceased to excel academically. Graduating at the top of his high school class, Matt entered Rice University on a full scholarship to pursue a degree in Biology and Hispanic Studies. While at Rice, he engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities that provided a much broader social context for his learning in the classroom. He volunteered weekly at Bering Omega AIDS Hospice where he provided medical assistance and counseling to patients in their final weeks of life; and he implemented a yearly international medical service trip to Mexico. In addition, Matt realized his connection to the broader LGBT community through his work founding a support group for students dealing with issues related to sexual identity and through his role as a political activist organizing various actions across Texas in favor of gay rights.

Currently, Matt is a first year student at Harvard Medical School where he is studying to become a physician practicing in underserved minority/LGBT and/or economically disadvantaged communities.

In Matt's own words: “As we move forward in our search for equality, we must keep those close to our heart who have made our journey possible. From the first trailblazers who resisted arrest at Stonewall to those who have lost their lives due to intolerance and hatred, their memories must live deep within and guide us as we meet the challenges of tomorrow.”