Shortly before the recent suicides of young gay teens hit the mainstream media, Dan Savage and his partner, Terry, began a channel on Youtube called the
It Get's Better project. It was their message to queer youth;
their story of how their lives got better. Then they invited other queer teens, adults and straight allies to send in video messages: "Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them."
The response was overwhelming. Thousands of videos from across the world were submitted and are there for all to view. Choirs singing their messages (see below), queer support groups, families,
employees of Facebook, Google, and others, and messages from queer youth themselves. It is quite extraordinary. And a radical shift.
For years, many queer adults were afraid to reach out to struggling queer youth to offer support for fear they would be branded a pedophile. Homophobia and heterosexism prevented many from interceding --- and still do. And our youth continue to kill themselves at a disproportionate rate than their straight peers.
From Joe Sudabay at
AMERICAblog Gay had this to say about the project and after viewing the video below:
We're seeing the LGBT community come together to take care of its youngest members. Not many of us had people to tell us "It gets better." But, it does -- and the next generations need to know that. And, I think the outpouring since Dan Savage launched this project shows an understanding that we have to be the support we need.
So, check out the Project, and consider sending in a video. Or at least be sure and share this channel with everyone in your life for two reasons:
1. Because you never know who may need to hear this message (kids and parents, alike)....... and
2. Because it really does get better!
If you or someone you know is struggling and you need to talk to someone, call Youthline (The Lesbian. Bi, Gay, Trans Youthline) at 1.800.268.9688 or visit them online at youthline.ca
And now, the video. Warning: I cried....especially at the end when everyone joins in. It really is a powerful message and a great use of social media.
Posted on
Fri, October 29, 2010
by B.J. Caldwell
filed under