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UK Launches LGBTQ Scholarship for Ag, Environmental Sciences

Food access, sustainability and conservation have become mainstream conversations worldwide. And while these issues are broad, too often, representation within these discussions is not. 

As a minority in the state of Kentucky, I have experienced different encounters based upon my gender, race and sexuality. As an openly Black lesbian woman, I have participated in protest, held spaces for individuals like myself, and reflected on the experiences that I have encountered. At the University of Kentucky, as a minority it can be hard to express yourself if the spaces aren’t there for you.”

Iyahna Wilson, agricultural education student.

Thanks to donations, the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has launched the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Fund — the first scholarship of its kind in the Southeastern Conference. This fund was created with the intention of diversifying Kentucky agricultural and environmental industries.

Carlie Laughlin

Carlie Laughlin is a Faculty Programs Coordinator with the Office of Sustainability. She is also a graduate student pursuing her degree in Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies.

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