2006 POINT SCHOLARS

Cyd La Luz

Reed College

Sociology

Cyd Quetzal La Luz was born and raised in San Francisco and grew up in an all-American household, his mother a runaway from Arkansas turned hippie and his father a disabled Vietnam Veteran from Puerto Rico. Dichotomies defined his life. His family's struggle with poverty only stung more acutely by living in one of the most prosperous cities in the world. And despite San Francisco's reputation for tolerance, he suffered relentless teasing and harassment from his peers, driving him to a life of shyness and silence.

After struggling with depression and a suicide attempt, Cyd realized that his life would have more meaning if he learned to speak out honestly about his identity and finally live his life for himself.

When he could not find solace in his peers or his parents, Cyd found belonging at LYRIC, a queer youth center in the heart of the Castro neighborhood. There he befriended other queer teens, many of them homeless, refugees from intolerance and ignorance. Drawing strength from their bravery he became active in the queer community and began to work with outLoud Radio where he produces radio essays that discuss what it means to be queer and young in the Bay Area. Exhibiting his work nationwide on the air and over the Internet, Cyd not only found his own voice but he also hopes to give voice to others silenced by oppression.

After finishing high school in San Francisco, Cyd started college this Autumn as a first year student at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. He plans to continue his work in radio, and aspires to provide a voice of understanding and optimism that will save other queer teens from suffering and isolation.

In Cyd's own words: "Looking into the eyes of runaways I have seen the malice of men and women, of the families and friends that had abandoned them. Such inhumanity cannot endure in our society. As long as we speak out against hate our fear will be forgotten and their disdain will be unlearned."