2005 POINT SCHOLARS

Bryan Allen Olsen

Emory University

Merle Aronson Point Scholar

Bryan is a junior at Emory University, studying philosophy with the intent to enroll in law school and pursue a career in the public sector. After coming out to his Mormon family when he was 16 years old, Bryan was subjected to rigorous counseling and was sent to a behavioral modification boarding school in Mexico. Despite a tumultuous early life, Bryan has excelled both academically and socially in college, co-founding the Progressive Student Union, a student run organization that promotes political advocacy on campus, serving as the activity coordinator for the debate society, working as a tutor in the writing center, and being awarded the Judy Greer Leadership scholarship for his sophomore year. Bryan lives with his partner of over three years in Atlanta, Georgia.

In Bryan's own words: “Making meaningful change for the GBLT community requires more than just sporadic social movements. Lasting change comes in the decisions we make and in how we live day to day. I believe the small things that we do when it seems no one else is watching are what will positively influence for future for GBLT Americans.”