Budding psychologist receives LGBTQ+ scholarship
A student has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship by an LGBTQ+ support charity to follow her dream of studying psychology.
Ava Chow-Blyden, who has been a passionate advocate for mental health in Black and LGBTQ+ spaces, was given the 2024 OutBermuda Bursary.
She said: “This bursary gave me the extra hope I needed to reassure me that I can make and achieve my goals.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to use this opportunity as a tool to help me get where I want to be.”
Ms Chow-Blyden, a student at Clark Atlanta University, was selected for her “exceptional drive, resilience and dedication to making a positive impact in Bermuda”, an OutBermuda spokesman said.
She will also sit on the charity’s board as an official observer for one year, where she could gain valuable experience while contributing to the organisation’s efforts.
OutBermuda started its bursary last year as part of its pledge to support education and empower people.
Awards are made to deserving members of Bermuda’s LGBTQ+ community and focus on financial need and potential to contribute to the island.
The spokesman said: “The bursary reflects OutBermuda’s mission to promote the wellbeing, dignity and security of the LGBTQ community by supporting the education and pursuit of personal and professional goals.”
Jameka Smith, a board director at the charity, added: “We are incredibly proud to support Ava in her academic journey.
“Her passion for mental health and commitment to making a difference in Bermuda embodies the values we hold dear at OutBermuda.”
More sponsors have been confirmed for this week’s Bermuda Pride celebration.
RenaissanceRe, which has sponsored the event since it started, pledged to be a rainbow-tier sponsor, which meant its donation was at least $20,000.
Ross Curtis, the chief portfolio officer and chairman of RenaissanceRe’s diversity equity and inclusion council, said: “At RenaissanceRe, we are committed to seeking diversity, creating equity and practising inclusion, and strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
“We stand with the LGBTQ+ community and look forward to coming together to learn, support each other and celebrate the diversity of our island.”
Appleby pledged itself to once again be a gold-tier sponsor and donate at least $10,000.
Brad Adderley, the law firm’s Bermuda managing partner, said: “We are proud to support Bermuda Pride and the LGBTQ+ community.
“Appleby Bermuda has a long history of supporting our diverse workforce and is committed to a strong culture of diversity and inclusion where everybody belongs.
“We believe in the value of our differences and in equality for everyone — we firmly advocate the same in our wider community.”
The announcement came days before the start of the Bermuda Pride celebration to highlight the rights and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.
Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, recognised Bermuda Pride as a celebration of inclusivity and fundamental human rights.
She added that this year’s theme, “Family Affair”, explored the importance of families in creating a sense of belonging and the challenges that some families might face.
Ms Furbert said: “As we recognise Pride, let us remember the importance of treating each other with dignity and respect.
“I wish everyone attending the Pride events a joyous, safe and memorable time.
“Let us continue to build a community where everyone can thrive, free from discrimination, with love and acceptance at the heart of all we do.”
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