Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

Chicago teen honored with national youth courage award
by Ross Forman, Windy City Times
2014-05-13

This article shared 4409 times since Tue May 13, 2014
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email


Jacques Agbobly moved to Chicago with his family from his native Togo, Africa, at age 9—when a family member sought treatment for HIV/AIDS, as well as better educational opportunities for himself and his three siblings ( two brothers, one sister ).

"This person helps me a lot. Whenever I hit rock bottom, this family member is always there for me," Agbobly said. "Since this person means so much to me, I decided to educate myself about this community. Through my learning, I also learned to really care about this community and those who are affected, those who are impacted. That's what drove, started my interested [in the subject], and how I learned all about the stigma [associated] with HIV and AIDS."

His motivation, dedication and drive for the HIV/AIDS community has helped Agbobly land one of three Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards, it was announced in early May. The other award-winners are Ashton Lee, 17, of Manteca, California; and Edidiong "Didi" Adiakpan, 19, of San Antonio, Texas. The winners are recognized for their extraordinary personal leadership and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ youth.

"The legacy of our friend Colin Higgins lives on through the advocacy of these exemplary youth. Jacques, Ashton and Didi each have shown a great deal of courage as they stand up and make a difference in their communities," James Rogers, board president of the Colin Higgins Foundation, said in a statement. "Their courage is apparent in their everyday lives as well as in their push to give a voice to issues such as HIV/AIDS, transgender rights or helping to de-stigmatize LGBTQ people in immigrant African communities."

Higgins was the screenwriter of such classic films as Harold and Maude, and the writer/director of 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Since 1993, the Colin Higgins Foundation has awarded more than 341 grants for more than $3 million to further the humanitarian vision of its founder, Colin Higgins.

Agbobly and the other 2014 winners will each receive a $10,000 grant as well as an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles Pride and the Task Force's Creating Change conference in June.

"I was very excited when I learned about the award; it really is an honor, something I appreciate so much," Agbobly said. "Hopefully this award will give me the chance to help educate people about the issues that are important to me, and the money I received will really benefit me in the future with college."

Agbobly is now a sophomore at the Chicago Academy for the Arts, and he lives with his mom and siblings in Uptown.

This was the second time he has been nominated for the award.

"Words cannot really express how amazing this [award] is," he said.

Agbobly is an ambassador for National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day, where he volunteers as a fundraiser and speaker on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS. He has participated numerous times in the annual AIDS Run & Walk, benefitting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ), and has done several school fundraisers, benefitting HIV-related charities.

"To be a role model lets me help get my points across, that I can share my story with as many people as possible, to help get them inspired too, so they can help their communities. By being a role model, I think I can help change people's perspective on an issue, can get people motivated and going," he said.

Agbobly plans to eventually attend, and graduate from, college. He then wants to start a non-profit organization to provide housing for homeless LGBT youth in Chicago and then, ultimately, worldwide.

"Adapting to the American lifestyle was very easy for us," said Agbobly, who admitted that he learned much of his English from watching television.

But, "when I went to school, it was really hard for me because I was constantly being bullied."

Once, for instance, he was sitting by himself at lunch. Some students approached and asked if he was gay. Agbobly thought they said, "Are you OK?"

It was not a fun time following for Agbobly, who was bullied for his skin color, accent and the fact he's gay.

But now that he's moved to a new neighborhood, he is "so happy, with true, supportive, loyal friends," he said. "I'm happy where I am now. I'm so lucky to have family and friends who support me in everything I do, no matter what I do, what happens—and I really appreciate that."

In eighth grade, Agbobly produced an anti-bullying PSA, which was featured in Time Out Chicago, and he was asked by the organization "Facing History and Ourselves" to speak at its national convention. At the assembly, he spoke to more than 700 people in hopes of de-stigmatizing the LGBTQ identity.


This article shared 4409 times since Tue May 13, 2014
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project set to hold its second annual exhibition
2024-04-19
The LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project will hold its second annual exhibition Friday, April 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Center on Addison, 806 W. Addison St., in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood. This free and open to the ...


Gay News

HRC continues call for Title IX rules that protect transgender student-athletes
2024-04-19
--From a press release - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced it has finalized a Title IX rule that clarifies the scope of nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity throughout educational activities ...


Gay News

New Title IX rules protects LGBTQ+ students...to a point
2024-04-19
New Title IX guidelines finalized April 19 will protect the rights of LGBTQ+ students by federal law and further safeguards of victims of campus sexual assault, according to ABC News. But those protections don't extend to ...


Gay News

Schools are back in downsized Chicago Pride Parade after merging under 'welcoming schools' umbrella
2024-04-18
At least four schools are back in the Chicago Pride Parade lineup after they were previously told they wouldn't be able to march in this year's celebration due to new limitations enforced by the city. They ...


Gay News

Tatumn Milazzo wins National Women's Soccer League Impact Save of the Week
2024-04-17
--From a press release - CHICAGO (April 16, 2024) — Chicago Red Stars defender Tatumn Milazzo earned National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Deloitte Impact Save of the Week honors, the league announced today. In the 32nd minute of Chicago's April 13 ...


Gay News

A prom of their own: Chicago orgs host LGBTQ+ youth celebration
2024-04-15
On April 13, Center on Halsted hosted its queer prom, MasQUEERade, for folks enrolled in its youth services. Prom goers created their own masquerade masks thanks to craft stations at the door. The evening included a ...


Gay News

UK's NHS releases trans youth report; JK Rowling chimes in
2024-04-11
An independent report issued by the UK's National Health Service (NHS) declared that children seeking gender care are being let down, The Independent reported. The report—published on April 10 and led by pediatrician and former Royal ...


Gay News

Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison announces inaugural Cook County LGBTQ+ Youth Art Competition
2024-04-10
--From a press release - Schaumburg, Ill. — April 9, 2024 — Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison recently announced the firs ever LGBTQ+ Youth Art Competition. The competition's theme is "Pride is Power!" and will set the ton for Pride celebrations ...


Gay News

Nominations for 30 Under 30 Awards due April 12
2024-04-08
--From a press release - CHICAGO—After a four-year hiatus, Windy City Times has revived its 30 Under 30 Awards. Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBTQ+ individuals (and allies). Nominees should be 30 years or younger as ...


Gay News

Australian, U.S. contestants take home honors from 2024 Puppy & Trainer Contest
2024-04-08
Photos by Joseph Stevens - The International Puppy & Trainer Contest was held in Chicago from April 4-7 at Center On Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. Pups, pets and trainers from around the world attended and competed. The event was again ...


Gay News

Jeff Awards launches submission period for Impact Awards
2024-04-06
The Jeff Awards announced the opening period for applications submissions for its 2024 honors to help inspire early career artists of color in the Greater Chicagoland area. Two recipients will be selected for awards of $10,000 ...


Gay News

Windy City Times receives two Lisagor nominations
2024-03-30
Chicago Headline Club has announced the finalists for its 2023 Peter Lisagor Awards on March 29. Two Windy City Times journalists were among those finalists. The Peter Lisagor Awards, according to Chicago Headline Club's website, "represent ...


Gay News

2024 'Nike Basketball Camps with the Chicago Sky' announced
2024-03-28
The Chicago Sky officially announced, in a debut collaboration with Nike Sports Camps, 2024 summer basketball camps for Chicagoland youth. Two camps for boys and girls ages 7-15 will take place June 17-21 and July 8-12 ...


Gay News

Nex Benedict's autopsy report released
2024-03-27
The full autopsy report for Nex Benedict (he/they)—a 16-year-old transgender and Indigenous student from Oklahoma's Owasso High School who died in February a day after a school fight—has been released. The Oklahoma Office of the Chie ...


Gay News

The Jeff Awards announces the 50th anniversary awards for non-equity theater
2024-03-26
--From a press release - A complete list of recipients can also be found online in the Non-Equity and News and Events sections at www.jeffawards.org. (March 25, 2024 - Chicago) — Celebrating its 50th anniversary awarding recognition for Non-Equity theater, the ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor
Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.