At a time when Florida and federal policies are trying to keep young LGBTQ in the closet and nail the door shut, others are supporting the next generation of leaders. Five students are the latest recipients of the Freidin Brown, P.A. & SAVE Social Justice Scholarship.

The scholarship program empowers LGBTQ and allied students committed to advancing social justice. This year’s awardees are South Florida students working on degrees that will help them promote social justice. They are Taylor Aguilera, Stephanie Frosch, Rihanna Bajnath, Emily Martinez, and Raiden Puna.

The program, now in its seventh year, was created to invest in leaders focused on advancing equity, advocacy, and community.

“They’re bold, they’re brilliant, and they’re stepping up at a time when equity and inclusion are under attack,” SAVE Executive Director Todd Delmay said of the students. “Since 1993, SAVE has fought to make Florida a place where everyone can live, learn, and lead with dignity, and this scholarship continues that legacy. It’s about affirming that their voices matter, their dreams matter, and their fight for justice belongs in Florida’s story.”

In a statement, scholarship organizers say, “Together, we aim to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in law, education, public policy, mental health, and other fields that promote justice for all, especially LGBTQ+ people and other historically marginalized communities. Since its inception, the scholarship has provided tens of thousands of dollars to students with South Florida roots who are ready to take the next step in their advocacy journey.”