Now, this is just inspirational. At a Jan. 18 high school awards ceremony in which he was named Class Actor, senior Jacob Rudolph came out during his heartfelt acceptance speech. He thanks his class for voting for him, then goes on to say that he's been acting as 'straight' Jacob his entire life. Read the transciprtion, provided by Towleroad, below:
"Sure I've been in a few plays and musicals, but more importantly, I've
been acting every single day of my life. You see, I've been acting as
someone I'm not. Most of you see me every day. You see me acting the
part of 'straight' Jacob, when I am in fact LGBT. Unlike millions of
other LGBT teens who have had to act every day to avoid verbal
harassment and physical violence, I'm not going to do it anymore. It's
time to end the hate in our society and accept the people for who they
are regardless of their sex, race, orientation, or whatever else may be
holding back love and friendship. So take me leave me or move me out of
the way. Because I am what I am, and that's how I'm going to act from
now on."
The best part? The auditorium, filled with over 300 students and faculty, erupts in applause and cheers. To top it all off, the video was originally posted by Jacob's father, Jonathan Rudolph.
Watch it below:
