2006 POINT SCHOLARS

Johnanna Ganz

Hamline University

Art History and Women’s Studies

Johnanna was raised in a small, conservative community of Merrill, in Wisconsin by parents who actively spoke out against homosexuals. Throughout high school, Johnanna flourished, she became a member and leader of many of the school organizations. During her senior year in high school Johnanna came to terms with her identity. However, she knew it was not an identity her community would be willing to accept. After coming out to a few friends, gossip and intolerance began to swell. Despite her active involvement, Johnanna remained in constant fear of the repercussions of her decision to vocalize her identity.

After she turned 18, Johnanna no longer lived with her parents, and lived with friends until she graduated. After much hardship, Johnanna left for Hamline University in the Twin Cities. Since arriving she has become involved as a track team member, Spectrum (GLBT group) member, and had a role in the Spring Theater Production. She is also working to establish a strong GLBT and Feminist writing group at Hamline.

Johnanna is a double major in Art History and Women's Studies and wishes to work in the Art Historical field, restoring women and GLBT identities to a primarily conservative research field.