"My mother doesn’t understand why representation is so important to me,” Halima told the publication. “Of course, she wants the same things for me that all parents want for their children — that I be of service, be a good person, lead an honest life, work hard and get an education. But, at the same time, she doesn’t know the struggle I faced growing up in America and being in spaces whereI was the only hijab-wearing girlor the only girl who looked like me.” Internships can be an important avenue for increasing racial and gender representation among elected leaders. For example, Representative Lauren Underwood is theyoungest Black woman elected to Congress of GLAAD's Stephen F. Kolzak award. Check out five of our favorite Troye moments:1. Talking about internalized homophobiaBack in 2013, Troye came out in atouching video blog Is there a point of contention in your house? Have you been fighting with your family this holiday season? What else are the holidays for, amIrite? (Please note: this is not actually what the holiday is for.) Are you and your mom at war over what to listen to while wrapping last-minute holiday presents?