eBay item: Scott Simpson

Scott Simpson's eBay listing was nut your typical Beanie Baby or autographed photo of Kurt Cobain. Its bold headline read "College Tuition and Expenses at Howard University"--next to the hefty price tag of $80,000. The gay 21-year-old Washington, D.C., resident, AmeriCorps alumnus, and longtime volunteer for HIV groups spoke with GenQ by telephone to explain.

How did the auction turn out?

I received two bids for 1 cent, one bid for 2 cents, a close friend of mine bid $100, and I got a bid for 50 cents with the note "Buy yourself half a candy bar." I also got about 20 e-mails from strangers that ranged from exuberant well wishes to attitude-laden diatribes.

Why ask for your college tuition on eBay?

I have exhausted all traditional methods of funding college. My parents aren't in a position to cosign my loans, and I don't have an established credit history. I fall through enough loopholes that I just don't qualify [for most scholarships]. Right now I'm working 30 hours a week, and I'm doing classes five days a week. rm burned-out.

Your listing ends with "I'll pretty much do whatever you want." What does that mean?

If someone says, 'You can get the scholarship as long as you maintain a something-something GPA," that'd be fine, or "Do these five things." I wouldn't do anything that compromises my moral values.

How did you get interested in HIV volunteer work?

I found myself [coming out] as a 16-yeef-old and not finding a way to connect with my community that was good for me, so t started volunteering with a clinic. It allowed me a camaraderie that I couldn't find otherwise. And I got to help people.

Where did you attend high school? What was it like?

In a suburb of Cleveland. It was great. I found some really good niches for me there in the drama department film department, and also doing community service.

What was coming out to your family like?

I came out first to my mother when I was 16. It was rocky at first. My mom needed time to adjust. [Now my parents] love me and support me. If they could pay for college, they would.--Interviewed by Ryan James Kim. Find more of this interview and a link to Scott's e-mail at Advocate.com

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