June Fan (1L) Connects Passion with her Summer Internship at the NCLR
April 22, 2014
June Fan will be one of four interns this summer at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) in San Francisco. NCLR has been advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education since it was founded in 1977. Each year, NCLR shapes the legal landscape for all LGBT people and families across the nation through its precedent-setting litigation, legislation, policy, and public education.
This internship is the perfect stepping stone for June whose ultimate career goal is advancing the civil and human rights of LGBT people and their families through policy. “NCLR’s mission aligns with my ideals and career aspirations. I definitely look forward to learning new skills and connecting with like-minded individuals that would bring me one step closer to reaching my career goal.” As a legal intern, she will be conducting case research, interviewing clients, updating publications, and drafting memos on a wide range of issues affecting LGBT people and their families.
June took a very proactive approach to finding an internship that coincided with her career goals. “I have known about NCLR and was familiar with their work, so I contacted the organization directly to see if they were accepting applications for summer interns. Assistant Dean for Career Services Ms. Beverly Bracker guided me throughout the internship application process. She was extremely patient, compassionate, and supportive.” June is thankful for her professors, mentors, staff, colleagues, and the writing center for inspiration and wisdom. “TJSL has played an instrumental role in assisting me in my career path.”
Specifically, June wants to focus on the issue of youth homelessness within the LGBT community where she has seen a great need. “Youth homelessness in the U.S. is a crisis that affects LGBT youth across the country. Yet, compared to the larger homeless youth community, LGBT youth often suffer from the most extreme discrimination and violence, leaving them feeling helpless, alienated, and sometimes hopeless.”
Her passion comes from her direct experience with the LGBT youth. “I have had numerous encounters with gay and transgender youth who have faced isolation and rejection from their family and friends after they had “come out” to their loved ones. Many of these individuals were left to sustain themselves at a very young age. In addition, I identify myself as part of the LGBT community; therefore, this topic really hits close to home for me.”
She is thrilled to take the concepts she has learned thus far and apply them to help others. “Because there is a need for positive change and improvement concerning the issue of LGBT youth homelessness, enacting policies that would fulfill the needs and interests of these affected members is very important to me.”