Hi John

It has been a rough year for our community. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to threaten our existence in nearly every U.S. state — our beloved transgender community bearing the brunt of this hatred. The strength and commitment of our allies has been tested and in some cases has failed. And, last month, our own It Gets Better grant in support of a student-led initiative to create a safe space for queer youth in Lynchburg, VA was rejected by the local school board. 

According to many LGBTQ+ leaders we are on crisis alert, and one might reason that we are losing ground on the progress front — but that is not the case. While the fight continues for equality, there is a new energy bubbling beneath the surface.

This year, the It Gets Better Project connected with more than 500,000 youth through social media, student-led grant initiatives, ambassador and mentorship programming, educational workshops and more. We are witness to the feeling of joy and accomplishment young queer people experience when they connect with their community — when they are connected to their power. If you’ve seen it, you will understand why I am not fearful for the future. We will overcome the challenges our community is experiencing at this moment — if not by the folks in power today, then by those who will take their place in the not-too-distant future.

Today’s youth are, in a word, incredible. They are sharp, they see what is wrong with the world and they have the willpower to shape the future to meet their expectations. With your help, the It Gets Better Project is going to do everything possible to ensure those future leaders understand they have a path filled with possibilities in front of them. 

Your monthly donation will go directly toward a slate of fabulous initiatives that will place young LGBTQ+ people at the forefront in 2024, like: 

• Continuing our 50 States/50 Grants initiative for a third season, pushing our grantmaking close to $2 million.

• Bringing back Digital Pride to connect young queer people around the world who may not have access to local marches and celebrations. 

• Enrolling another Youth Voices cohort for the 2024/25 academic year — and bringing them to Los Angeles for the third annual Youth Summit.

• Welcoming thousands of young queer people, every day, to ItGetsBetter.org for the affirming stories and critical information they need to inform the development of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

So, stick around for a while, and share in the joy we will create together. Trust me when I say that I believe in better — and I know you do too. We are always better together — and together we can help young LGBTQ+ people create a world in which they can thrive!