Following last week’s stunning election of former President Donald Trump — a 34-time convicted felon who was impeached twice during his first term — to a second term in office, The Dru Project, an Orlando-based nonprofit founded in memory of Pulse Nightclub victim Drew Leinonen, is intensifying its mission to support LGBTQ+ youth by prioritizing scholarships for those in red states.
With mounting legal and social pressures in conservative regions, the organization hopes this pivot will help LGBTQ+ youth find affirming educational environments away from home, where anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and restrictive laws can limit their ability to live openly and authentically.
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“This is our direct response to the election,” Dru Project board president Sara Grossman told The Advocate in an interview. “For many queer youth, staying in their home state is challenging, if not outright dangerous. We’re giving priority to applicants from red states, hoping to create pathways to success for those who may feel trapped in areas with limited support and affirming resources.”
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The change comes as 2024 saw a record 532 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the U.S., with conservative lawmakers targeting transgender rights, gender expression, and inclusive education, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, which is tracking these measures. Many LGBTQ+ youth report feeling isolated and vulnerable amid this surge in legislation, and the Dru Project aims to counter these challenges by offering more resources to help them relocate or attend college in more welcoming communities.
Grossman noted that while any LGBTQ+ young person is still welcome to apply for the scholarship, priority will be given to applicants in red states, where many face heightened discrimination and barriers to acceptance. “The [political] shift that is coming is huge,” Grossman said. “It’s going to take everything we have to ensure that those who feel cornered in hostile environments know there’s a community standing by, ready to help.”
The scholarships, each valued at $5,000, aim to assist recipients with college expenses or relocating to a supportive academic environment. Typically, the Dru Project awards five scholarships annually, but with sufficient donor support, the organization hopes to increase that number. Grossman explained that $5,000 significantly boosts students, helping cover tuition, books, or basic living expenses in college—often a crucial step toward finding a supportive community.
“We’ve seen, through the essays and stories of past applicants, how this support can make all the difference,” Grossman said. “For some, it’s been about choosing to stay in a safe environment rather than in a place that restricts their very identity.” Grossman referenced a previous scholarship recipient who faced additional challenges due to immigration status. “We had a Dreamer who almost had to drop out after Trump took away DACA protections. That scholarship made it possible for him to finish school. Stories like that remind us of how urgently needed these scholarships are.”
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In addition to financial support, the Dru Project is working to ensure scholarship recipients find affirming communities in their new environments. Grossman and Dru Project board member Brandon Wolf have cultivated relationships with local LGBTQ+ centers, advocacy groups, and youth organizations in conservative states.
“The Dru Project’s scholarships do more than support educational goals—they provide a pathway to inclusive communities where young people can find acceptance and validation. By expanding these opportunities, the organization reaffirms its commitment to Dru’s vision of a world where LGBTQ+ youth can pursue their dreams without fear or restriction, regardless of geography,” Wolf said in a press release.
Through strategic partnerships, the organization hopes to offer recipients access to resources to ease their transition and provide ongoing support. “We want them to know there’s a network of people looking out for them,” Grossman said. “We’ll be working with local groups, including some in red states, to help these young people find safety and affirmation as they take the next steps.”
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Grossman emphasized the importance of partnerships and coalition work as part of the organization’s mission. She envisions collaboration with larger advocacy groups like The Trevor Project, which has seen a sharp uptick in crisis calls since the election, and GLSEN to combine forces, ultimately making a greater impact on LGBTQ+ youth nationwide. “Perhaps there’s a way to work together with other organizations to help shine a spotlight on our work,” she said. “People need to know that there are still ways to stand up to this rise in hate.”
The Dru Project has shifted its focus in response to critical moments in the past. During the pandemic, the organization created a grant fund for drag performers, who are essential in raising funds through community events. That program enabled drag performers to raise money for themselves while simultaneously supporting the Dru Project, an initiative Grossman sees as emblematic of the organization’s adaptability. “Drew was an incredibly innovative person, and it’s our privilege to carry on that spirit of resilience and ingenuity,” Grossman said. “This pivot is another way we’re staying true to his legacy.”
