Should I write about my transsexuality in a scholarship essay? (see details)?

Question

The scholarship asks you to write an essay 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.

Well..I know I have a real good shot at this. I'm a transsexual. I could tell you a LOT about diversity and how it's accepted and NOT accepted in society and some of the things I've been through. However, part of me is afraid to include such a topic in a scholarship essay. What do you think?

Answer 1

I agree with the above folks who stressed knowing your audience.

It really depends upon whom is funding the scholarship. I daresay if their topic is diversity, however, that you can bank on the fact that they'd be very welcoming of your topic.

My partner is transgendered, by the way, and I'm a university profesor. If I were on the committee, you'd be a shoo-in. :)

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

Find out who the scholarship is for. If it is for a Christian group, they probably do not want to know about your transsexuality. However, if it is for a group like Amethyst Scholarship Foundation (GLBT friendly, link below), it would definately be the right essay.

You could always choose the middle road and use your knowledge about diversity. You do not have to disclose that you are transsexual, but that you have encountered many diverse issues throughout your life. Pick certain events and talk about them. It is less overwhelming for others if transsexually is not flaunted (or homosexuality for that matter). Just talk about what you have encountered in your life. There should be some situations that have arisen that would create a wonderful essay.

Always know the audience you are writing to. It is the quickest way to win or lose a scholarship or grant. If you do not know who they are, read about them on their website, or call and find out about them. Under no circumstances should you ever send a scholarship like you were goinon a blind date. It is like going on an interview with your fly open and toilet paper stuck to your shoe.

You aren't such a pretty sight and people don't want to be associated with you if you don't have a clue about them. Be the suave date with a bouquet of flowers, a nice bottle of wine and expensive cologne (even if you are the beer & pizza type). It'll get 'em every time.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I say no unless you're inspired.

Though transexuality definitely places you in a minority; particularly if you're preop or have no intentions for surgery -- it will take a lot of moxie to present such topical data in a scholarly writing and the thousand words or less limitation will present it's own challenges.

You need to consider if the reader will be qualified to evaluate your position on the matter; for example I was once given an F on a paper because the grader wasn't qualified to evaluate irony only to have it raised to an A by her replacement who was.

If you take the plunge don't get carried away with more than you can cover adequately in 1000 words ... for example a discussion of genotype vis a vis phenotype or a historical review may be beyond the scope of the parameters.

Lastly, try to be objective and don't let emotions control your writing. This is a scholarship thing not a place to vent. However, the facts will speak for themselves.

Good luck with this if you decide it's for you.

Answer 4

I think it could go either way for you. On the upside, if they're asking questions about diversity and you write about transexuality, you would assume they're looking to give the scholarship to someone with a diverse background of experiences, which you obviously have. On the downside, though, you may face criticism from some more conservative types, but I'm sure you already knew that. I think it really depends on the scholarship and the committee deciding upon it so maybe more research is required in that factor.

Good luck!!

Answer 5

I think that you should write about your personal experiences in essays for school, scholarships, etc. Yours would definitely stand out because your personal experience is very different from most students your age. If these people who are offering the scholarship are so interested in diversity, then they will see your essay and know that you are someone who has been personally effected by not being accepted and how diversity is not just race, but sexual orientation as well.

This is a very courageous move on your part--but I think this will be one of the essays that will wow them if you decide to write it. Go for it! Good luck, and let us know how this turns out!

Answer 6

Depends what kind of scholarship it is. If it is from a conservative christian group, then NO, avoid the topic at all costs.

If the scholarship is through an organization that would appreciate the views of someone who is a risk taker and someone who can cope with adversity, than certainly, this is a perfect topic to write about! Just so you don't bring your audience down, I would mention the negative, then finish with the positive and focus on what the experience has taught you. People react much more positively to optomism than pessimism.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Like a lot of other people are saying on here... consider your target audience. If the scholarship is from a group with a LGBT agenda, then it would be a great thing to write about. But, what is the worst that can happen? You don't get the money... so, you might as well go for it!

Answer 8

I think that would make an amazing paper however since it is a scholarship I would take a look at who the money is coming from. A more conservative type company/ person might not be a good idea but some one a little more open minded would be great. Of course if it is a concervative institution you might be able to change some views of the committe members with your story. I guess it's all in the way you look at it.

Answer 9

Umm.. I would say NO.

It's not a good idea, mainly because if the company/school/grader of the essay is/are a hardcore Christian(s) than you have no hope of getting anywhere, and you just wasted your time on an essay that's not needed.

Stick with something more basic.

Answer 10

I think it's risky but what you wrote here sounds very good. Ultimately it's up to you but if you decide to use it, say the same things you just told us. Good luck on getting in. If you have the grades and other qualifications, I think you should go for it!