2007 POINT SCHOLARS

Daan Erikson

New York University

Entertainment Media/Music/Gender and Sexuality Studies

Daan Erikson grew up in suburban Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the only child of divorced parents. While he came out as a lesbian in high school, he came to understand and identify himself as a transguy in his first year at New York University. A strong work ethic and support from his dedicated dad has allowed him to confidently transition without compromising his studies. His interest in everything media-related goes back to his high schoolrock band. Valuing the power of media has led Daan to pursue a concentration around entertainment media in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU. From serving on the Massachusetts Governor’s Committee for Gay and Lesbian Youth, to becoming a Peer Educator with NYU’s LGBT office, Daan never runs out of ways to stay involved. His self-comfort level and openness about being trans has served him well as a Peer Educator in Residence at a first-year residence hall this past year, and where he will be a Resident Assistant next year, alongside his other commitments. Through his studies at NYU, he plans to improve realistic representations of queer people in the entertainment media world. And maybe he’ll be a rock star, too.