Gavin Rouille (South Burlington)
2005 Scholarship Recipient
South Burlington High School

As Outright Vermont's Co-Executive Director Lluvia Mulvaney-Stanak wrote in her recommendation letter,

"Gavin's story is one of inspiration for people of all ages. He has embraced his identity in ways in which many adults cannot even grasp. Gavin's gender exploration has been really neat to watch over the years - an evolution of personal growth right before our eyes. His strength to explore himself at such an early age will only help solidify his individuality as he prepares to take on the world of higher education."

Gavin came out in the seventh grade at the age of twelve. He has been involved with Outright Vermont since his sophomore year in high school, first by helping out around the office and currently as a member of their speakers' bureau. Gavin has told his story and answered questions from students ranging from middle school to college students and their teachers. He does this to bring awareness to the community.

Gavin shared some thoughts about his personal exploration during his time at Outright,

"Around that time I started experimenting with my gender. I've never been a girly girl, but I have always been curious what it would like to be a boy. That's when I started going by the name Gavin. I felt it fit my personality and lifestyle better."

Gavin is also on the board for the Women's Rape Crisis Center in Burlington. He was the youngest person to ever complete the volunteer training and youngest member to join the board.

Gavin will be attending Maine College of Art this fall where he will major in Studio/Fine Arts. Gavin had this to say about the future,

"Whatever I do with my life, I want to make a difference. I would like to do something with art and activism. I want to grow off my experiences to become an art activist. I haven't fully figured out how I will accomplish this, but that's what I plan to discover in art school. I have already built a good stepping stone for myself, I just need to find where it leads me."