Blossom Brown is a graduate of Mississippi University for Women, with a degree in public health, and a native of Jackson, MS. Having earned what she descibes as an "awesome GPA," and wanting to be able to give back to her community, she applied to some nursing schools.
She received six rejections which she thinks were unfair.
People always say, 'You're going to confuse the patients,' or, 'We don't want your kind here.'
People were looking at that, and you need to be looking at my hard work and dedication that I put into that hard work.
--Blossom Brown
You see, Blossom Brown is a transgender woman.
The six rejections haven't stopped Brown from pursuing her dream to be a nurse and make a difference in her community.
I kind of want to bring our health to the forefront and say, 'Hey, if you're a (transgender) guy, you need a pap smear, and if you're a (transgender) woman, you need a prostate exam later in life.
--Brown
The story first was brought to the fore on "I am Cait." Then
Caitlyn Jenner got in touch with Ellen De Genderes.
I don't own a nursing school, so I can't do that, but people like your story, so we want to give you $20,000.
--Ellen
Brown, originally from Mississippi, joined HRC’s All God’s Children campaign last year. The campaign aimed at strengthening the foundation of public support for LGBT Mississippians and aid in the passage of pro-equality legislation.
Brown says she will use the money to support herself through nursing school. She says since her appearance on Ellen has aired, she has been contacted by some nursing schools encouraging her to apply.