Daan Erikson

Point Scholar: 2007-2009

New York University
B.A., Entertainment Media

Daan Erikson grew up in suburban Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the only child of divorced parents. While he came out as a lesbian in high school, he came to understand and identify himself as a transguy in his first year at New York University. A strong work ethic and support from his dedicated dad has allowed him to confidently transition without compromising his studies. His interest in everything media-related goes back to his high school rock band. Valuing the power of media led Daan to develop a concentration in Representations of Identity in Entertainment Media in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU.

From serving on the Massachusetts Governor’s Committee for Gay and Lesbian Youth, to becoming a Peer Educator with NYU’s LGBT Office, Daan never ran out of ways to stay involved. His self-comfort level and openness about being trans served him well as a Peer Educator in Residence and as a Resident Assistant at a first-year residence hall, alongside his other commitments. For his service in the NYU community, Daan was honored with the LGBT Office's Commitment to Queer Community Award, the Center for Multicultural Education and Programs' Vaid/Paras LGBT Consciousness Award, and the Student Affairs Hallmark Award.

Daan now plans to influence the entertainment media world  by  becoming an entertainment lawyer after attending Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. And maybe he’ll be a rock star, too.