A memorial scholarship in honor of Betsy Parsons supports LGBTQ+ youth. Parsons family photo
LGBTQ+ youth always had an ally in Betsy Parsons, one of Maine's first public school teachers to come out openly as gay. Now, three years after her death, Parsons' family is giving back to the state they love with a scholarship inspired by her leadership and love of education.
Scholarship recipient Mavy Ho has her sights set on a career as a dermatologist.
This May the Parsons Scholarship Fund for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies awarded its first two scholarships to graduating seniors from Presque Isle and Gorham. The MaineCF fund continues to grow with a $20,000 anonymous donation this year.
"Being a recipient of this scholarship means the world to me," said Gabriel Flannery, who will leave Aroostook County for Husson University in Bangor to pursue dual degrees in criminal justice and psychology. "This has not only helped validate my identity as a gay man in such a small rural community, but also putting my story out there for others will hopefully inspire other young queer kids to live their lives truthfully, and - with the right guidance and advice - flourish."
Mavy Ho of Gorham has her sights set on a career as a dermatologist, a long road ahead that she's eager to start. She'll attend Bates College in Lewiston on a pre-med track to study biology and minor in musical performance, her violin in hand.
"To be from Maine as an Asian transgender woman, it's hard to be heard," said Ho. "Growing up trans wasn't widely accepted until the past two years. I think I'm at peace now."
Betsy Parsons moved to Maine in 1977 to pursue teaching in Portland and plant roots in her parents' home state that she had loved and visited every summer. Her mother, Beverly, was born and grew up in Portland, and her father, Robert, was raised in the village of East New Portland near the Carrabassett River.
In 1998, like Flannery, Parsons found strength in sharing her story.
Her moment came during a Deering High School discussion of the "Scarlet Letter" and community stigma when Parsons told her class she was a lesbian. Later that day, about two dozen students sought her help to start Deering's first gay-straight alliance. Parsons went on to help found the Southern Maine Chapter of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network) and lead the statewide creation of about 90 student clubs called GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliances).
Betsy Parsons' brother Scott, whose family established the scholarship fund, wasn't surprised by his big sister's bravery: "Betsy was never afraid to put herself out there and take a stance."
But as he cared for Betsy during her final months before she died at age 65, Scott and his parents - now in Indiana - learned what a beloved public figure she had become.
"She's left a real legacy in people that she mentored or taught and who are continuing her legacy in many ways across the state, in New England, and everywhere," Scott said.
Gabriel Flannery
The Parsons Scholarship Fund will build on Betsy Parsons' legacy of acceptance and passion for education, starting with Gabriel Flannery and Mavy Ho as they embark on life after high school. The annual scholarships will be awarded to students from both rural and urban Maine.
Gabriel Flannery will use his Parsons scholarship at Husson University.
"I'm hoping that with the further expansion of this scholarship and the many winners to come, up-and-coming queer kids can love themselves and in turn be the guidance for the following generations," Flannery said. "All queer people aren't family, but we raise and mentor each other as if we were. "
If you'd like to learn more about establishing or contributing to a MaineCF scholarship fund, please contact Liz Fickett, director of grants and scholarships, efickett@mainecf.org or (207) 472-2075.
