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'I'm beyond blessed': Gay Jacksonville teen forced into homelessness celebrates a year of successes

Despite clashes with his family, Seth Owen says, "I still have huge amount of love for my parents"

February 11 was a grim one-year anniversary for Seth Owen. 

That’s the day the Jacksonville teenager became homeless after clashing with his parents over his sexuality and their conservative religious views.

But a year later, Owen is thriving at Georgetown University, is working as Capitol Hill intern, and is the founder of a new nonprofit agency.

"[It is] so liberating, to just be able to walk with your shoulders back and your chin up, and just be able to be yourself and be comfortable,” he told First Coast News Monday via Facetime. “To be able to help just one other person reach that, I’m beyond blessed to be given that opportunity.”

First Coast News first reported on Owen last July, soon after his teachers at First Coast High School started a Go Fund Me page to help him achieve his dream of attending Georgetown University.

At the time, Owen was a co-valedictorian of his high school and captain of his swim team, accomplished academically and beloved by his teachers. But he was also penniless, and uncertain he’d even be able to attend college.

His plight resonated with viewers. 

Soon after the First Coast News story aired, Owen’s story went viral. It was picked up by news outlets around the country, including NBC and The Washington Post. He was honored by Vice President Joe Biden at the Human Rights Commission dinner. And not only did his Go Fund Me page exceed his $20,000 dollar goal – it topped $140,000 before his teachers closed the page to donations – but he received another $25,000 during an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show.

He used that money to start a nonprofit group, Unbroken Horizons Scholarship Foundation, which offers scholarships to LGBTQ students facing hardships.  

Speaking today from the capital, where he’s an intern for Florida Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-Winter Park), Seth said the nonprofit aims to help other LGBTQ students live openly and work toward their dreams.

“The goal is to issue scholarships to LGBTQ-plus students, particularly students of color, who have overcome difficulties in the face of marginalization and have proven that they’re resilient.”

On the homefront, Owen admits things are still difficult. He tries to maintain a relationship with his parents, but he describes it as “tense.” 

“It was very hurtful for my parents,” he says of the past year and the attention he received. “They were sure to let me know that it was hurtful to them.”

He adds, “We are speaking again. … I still have huge amount of love for my parents. But I think my love for advocating for kids who don’t have people to speak up for them is growing as well. And I can’t deny the opportunities to help other students just to preserve my relationship with my parents.” 

Owen will be back in Jacksonville Friday. And while he looks forward to reconnecting with friends and his teachers, he adds, “I really feel believe that D.C. is the place for me. I think I’ve found my new home. I might journey back to Jacksonville, but D.C. is home for now.”

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