Colorado valedictorian comes out during graduation speech

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A 17-year-old valedictorian was able to come out as gay during her graduation speech, a first for Roaring Fork High School and a contrast from a charter school’s decision last month to deny one of its students the same privilege.

The Post Independent reports  Emily Bruell gave her administration-approved speech May 29 and talked about the limitations of labels, prompting a standing ovation from the audience when she said she was gay.

Twin Peaks Charter Academy High in Longmont decided the exact opposite when it scrapped valedictorian Evan Young’s speech.

Bruell says she wanted to put a face to a vague label, and that coming out has made her more comfortable with that part of her life.

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