LGBT center debuts scholarships

The Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center has announced the launch of two scholarships that will serve the local LGBTQ community.

The Marilyn Cazares scholarship honors the memory of those whose lives were taken due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

The scholarship is named after Marilyn Cazares, a transgender Brawley resident who reportedly was slain in July, and honors countless others who were not allowed to live as their true selves, a press release stated.

The Courageous Liberation scholarship is dedicated to people who lost the opportunity to serve their country because of their sexual orientation.

With the launch of these scholarships, the LGBT Resource Center hopes to support those who are still present by providing resources to help them succeed in their educational journey and personal endeavors.

Inspired by the memory of loved ones lost, the scholarship funds were provided through the Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center by local and formerly local LGBTQ members and allies.

The center’s goal is to remember the names and stories of those who have passed on and to empower LGBTQ friends to press on. The center said its hope is to create a better future for LGBTQ individuals by empowering them through education.

The resource center will honor its first scholarship recipients at the fifth annual Imperial Valley Pride celebration on Oct. 10, at 1073 Ross Ave., El Centro.

To apply, please complete the application form at https://forms.gle /U5MPq1TQZbjvkADp8 and email required documentation to scholarships@ivlgbtcenter.com