EVAN YOUNG WAS named class valedictorian at Twin Peaks Charter Academy High School in Longmont Colorado.

As part of the speech he was due to give, Young planned to announce he is gay.

But when that was discovered, the school appealed for him not to give his speech. He was not allowed give the full speech, says Democracy Now, which also says Young wasn’t recognised as valedictorian.

He did eventually manage to give his speech – not at the school, but at somewhere more welcoming, in front of hundreds of people.

Here’s what he had to say:

Democracy Now! / YouTube

Read: Where in the world is it hardest to be gay? (And what can Ireland do to help?)>

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Watch as this student gives the emotional speech he was banned from giving

Read: Where in the world is it hardest to be gay? (And what can Ireland do to help?)>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.