It Gets Better!

The It Get Better project is a response to gay bullying, specifically in high schools. The project was prompted by a recent rash of gay youth suicides. The project utilizes social networking to reach out to queer youth with a message of hope. People participate in the project by uploading videos to YouTube describing their experience as a youth and offering encouraging words.

There is no place where fitting in is more important than in a high school. It is hard to feel different in high school, especially if you are being labeled in a way that is different from how you choose to identify. Teens struggling to accept a gender or sexual identity that does not conform with mainstream definitions of "normal" are at a far greater risk for depression and suicide than other teens.

The It Gets Better project attempts to reach out to these students - and any student struggling with their identity - with a positive message of reassurance. Things do change. Yes, it may be hard now, but there are people who understand. There are people who care. There are countless other people who suffered, were harassed, and felt isolated and alone because of their sexual or gender identity - and those people went on to lead happier, better lives. As unfortunate as it is, the reality of our society is that queer people are not treated justly. Until things change, this projects intends to let youth know that even though life may never be perfect, it will get better. It's worth living.

Friends of mine at the University of Cincinnati put together a video to contribute to the project. Their video was featured on the university's homepage, various local news outlets, and the Katie Couric show.

Watch it! It's Amazing.