Skip to main content Currently Reading A high school valedictorian began a speech about his queer identity and mental health. Then his mic cut out. Katie Shepherd, The Washington Post June 25, 2021 FacebookTwitterEmail Rainbow flag flies against blue sky in the Castro. Pride flagNorberto Cuenca/Getty Images When 18-year-old Bryce Dershem stepped up to the lectern at his New Jersey high school's graduation ceremony last week, he wanted to share how his battle with mental health was made even more difficult in a senior year marred by the coronavirus pandemic. The class valedictorian, wearing maroon robes and a pride flag draped around his shoulders, began with the customary "thank you" for the parents, teachers and friends in the audience. Then, he launched into his own story.