Should I write about my transsexuality in a scholarship essay?

Question

The essay is over this topic:

In 1000 words or less and in your own words, define diversity including an experience in which diversity has effected your life in a positive or negative aspect.

I know I have a real good shot at this, if they would be open to hearing about my experience as a transsexual, but part of me is afraid to write about that in a scholarship essay. What do you think?

The scholarship is NOT coming from the school itself. I've already been accepted. This is a private scholarship. A memorial scholarship. The Patricia McNamara Memorial Scholarship.
Patricia McNamara was a courageous woman who paid for her own edcuation despite her father not wanting her to receive an education because she was a woman. So from the age of 14, she got a job and paid her own tuition to a catholic high school and then later went to college, pretty much doing it all on her own.

Answer 1

Yes!

Answer 2

First, I'd like to explain that I am a liberal Democrat and I am an open-minded person, but I think I have to disagree with almost everyone else here. I would just flip this, to a heterosexual person discussing their sexuality in the scholarship essay. It just wouldn't be appropriate, I think, for anyone, lesbian, transgender, or heterosexual really to discuss sexuality in a scholarship essay. I mean if you really want this scholarship you have to consider your readership and the purpose of this scholarship. I think your experiences will still inform the essay, but I wouldn't focus it solely on your sexuality if you really want the scholarship, because I think at least two or a few of the scholarship committee would probably go with another choice. I do think it might make a great topic in a creative writing class or later in a short story or book you might want to write, but for a scholarship you really want to obtain that is a different story. Sorry.

Answer 3

Absolutely. I've noticed that the one thing they're looking for in essays is originality and something close to you that you are passionate about and have an interest in. They get enough boring submissions about the same old junk- something refreshing wakes them up and will probably get you a listen. You just need to make sure that your writing is as good as it can be, and that you treat the subject with the utmost respect (which I doubt will be a problem for you). Explain everything that might be questioned in your essay, be polite, formal, and, most of all- honest. Let your experiences speak for themselves, rather than being a soundbite for transsexual diversity, you know?

I think that it will be good. Whatever you choose, good luck! I hope you get it!

Answer 4

As wonderful as it would be to show the world how wonderfully diverse our sexualities are... we should have a motive before we let them read it in 1000 words. What do you want from this? Do you want them to hear your side? Or do you want to get the scholarship? And if you really want the scholarship, do you think the people who will evaluate your application will be open to your "radical" idea?

Most scholarship essays like this are usually about the humdrum stuff... Diversity among a certain group of people, but who try to set aside their differences to work towards a common goal. Language barriers that did not become a hindrance to success, etc. Look at your experiences that are detached from your sexuality... Heck, you can even put like people of diffirent sexual orientations and religious backgrounds set aside their prejudices to work towards a common goal... They love that stuff.

Yeah, I know, we feed them what they want. But you can't really define the rules of the game when they are the ones playing the role of judge, jury and litigator. I suggest you get into the school first, then you dazzle them with who you really are, personality, intellect, sexuality and all. ;)

Best of Luck!

Answer 5

It would be an interesting thing to do. Unfortunately some people are open minded, some aren't.

What is the scholarship for, I think specifics would make a big difference to my answer, but at present, I would tend towards no, but only very slightly.

I think it would be a bit of a challenge to them... If they value diversity, then writing about it surely shouldnt negatively affect your chances. Beware hipocrisy of course.

Generally, I would say if you go down that path, then be positive. Do not make it a lame and weak sob story, be strong and positive, especially at the end.

Good luck

Answer 6

the golden rule of writing, which took me a long time to learn, is to address your audience,,, both in topic and how you present it,,,,,, i personally would not go directly for the transsexual topic,,, but would deal with something less controversial, something others could more relate to,,,,, surely there is another issue,,,, maybe concerning just acceptance of individuals, in which you could write the essay about?
think of it this way,,,, in what way will your voice be heard more? by speaking up now, or waiting till you have reaped the advantages of the scholarship
i know in my writings, in a scholastic setting, i had to slowly work up to, "hitting children is wrong, no ifs ands or buts" i had to broach the subject slowly,,,, the same way with children's "good" television is still sexist,, many didn't want to hear that Winne the pooh and shiney time station, are,,,,,,

Answer 7

That's a tough one...most people reading scholarship essays might be a little freaked out by a transsexual story. That might be a little more intense than they're prepared to deal with.

That said, there's something to be said for telling the truth and being willing to walk away from money if it means compromising who you are.

Answer 8

this is a touchy subject with a lot of closed minded people, but really it's a perfect example of the topic they've given you. if you're scared about what they will think, just remember that it's against the law for them to discriminate against you on the basis of your sexuality. you have the same right to earn that scholarship as everyone else. be proud of who you are, and don't let any closed minded biggots stifle your pride. best of luck to you, i hope it works out!

Answer 9

If the school is a fair one I think it is a great idea. I did my thesis on people of transgender and not only got an A, I met a wonderful person while doing research and married her, she is M_F.
Anyway the more people know the better it is. Good luck

Answer 10

If they are offering a Scholarship, then they are probably Alumnis, and Alumnis would "know" that there is so muh diversity among the Colleges...(They almost "preach" radicalism, and individualism and they about "hate" Religion!). That would be right up thier alley, promoting some one who is "in" your condition!

I would definetely do this...as you may go to the head of the list, for those who are "in need" of money...

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 11

I think you should go for it!
Seriously!

The subject of the essay is perfect for your idea!
My son will be writting one about his experiences of being raised by two lesbians for an scholarship essay. Which one are you applying for?