Friends raise over $50,000 for lesbian kicked out of home
Lesbian athlete Emily Scheck was disowned by her parents after they found out she was dating a girl. (GoFundMe)
Friends of a promising athlete have crowdfunded more than $50,000 so she can stay at college, after her parents disowned her because she has a girlfriend.
Emily Scheck, a 19-year-old business student at Canisius College, New York state, was allegedly cut off by her parents after they discovered she was going out with another woman on social media.
Scheck, a cross country runner for her college, was given the choice to undergo conversion therapy at home or no longer be financially supported by her parents.
Emily Scheck (right) and her girlfriend Justyna. (GoFundMe)
Parents disown Emily Scheck for having a girlfriend
The teenager chose to stay at college with her friends and girlfriend Justyna, and has consequently been juggling two jobs alongside her studies to stay in education.
Her roommate Grace Hausladen set up a GoFundMe page to help her finish school; buy food; and to cover health insurance.
“Her parents found out that she has a girlfriend through her social media, and they gave her the choice; come home and go to therapy or stay at school and be completely cut off.”
— Grace Hausladen
It has smashed the original $5,000 target, with more than $58,000 raised so far.
“In August of this year, our friend Emily was kicked out of her home,” the GoFundMe page reads.
“Her parents found out that she has a girlfriend through her social media, and they gave her the choice; come home and go to therapy or stay at school and be completely cut off.
“She chose the latter and has been doing her best to stay afloat in college without the financial support of her parents.”
Emily Scheck and her friends. (GoFundMe)
Emily Scheck receives aggressive texts from parents
Speaking to The Buffalo News, Scheck said her parents had sent her a number of insulting text messages after finding out she has a girlfriend.
She said a text from her mum read: “Well, I am done with you. As of right now, declare yourself independent. You are on your own. Please don’t contact us or your siblings.”
When she asked her mum why she was doing this, her mum allegedly responded: “Because you disgust me.”
Her parent’s response has put a lot of emotional weight on Emily. Luckily, she was already moved into her dorm when Emily’s parents found out. Her parents responded with hate: aggressive texts blaming her and they even dumped of all her stuff she had left at home such as baby pictures, old clothes, childhood toys, etc. into the trunk of her car.
The GoFundMe page continues: “No one deserves to have their home and siblings taken away from them for being their true selves.
“Though she has made a new home in Buffalo through her teammates and her girlfriend, Justyna, we can no longer stand by and do nothing.
“Please consider helping our friend Emily. Any amount of money will help her to buy groceries, finance to finish school, or cover insurance.
“Help her focus on school instead of working to make ends meet. No one thought that her coming out would have such a drastic effect.
“This should not be happening in today’s society. Help her feel accepted. Help her feel like herself.”
