Meet the 2012 Point Scholars

These 29 amazing students are on their way to becoming leaders in the LGBT community and society.

BY Advocate.com Editors

June 14 2012 9:43 AM ET

Navidra Hardin

Emerson College
Broadcast Journalism

Throughout grammar school, Navidra Hardin was known as “the gay kid.” So when high school began, he was determined for a fresh start — a straight start. Hardin made it a priority to show off how straight he was by being antigay. But shortly after Hardin's father passed away in 2009, he realized life is too short to have regrets. He came out of the closet despite his family’s belief that being gay is "unnatural" and "sinful.”

To his surprise, Hardin’s school community was mostly supportive. Still, being the only openly gay student in a Catholic school presented obstacles. He was discouraged from starting a gay-straight alliance and other LGBT-related activities. Things proved even more difficult at home, and his family cut off all financial assistance.

Still, Hardin has persevered and said he uses negative events as motivation. In keeping with his love of writing and speaking, Hardin is attending Emerson College to study journalism.