Donate today to join us in spreading hope to LGBTQ+ youth.

Hi, I’m Jay Taylor, the Graphic Designer for the It Gets Better Project. There’s a warmth that swells in my chest when I say that.

After growing up in environments that sought to suppress aspects of my identity, I now have the privilege of shaping the visual identity of an organization that helped me stay strong during a period of bullying and isolation. That’s why today, I’m asking you to join our community of monthly donors [[link removed]] so we can continue to stand against bullying and isolation for millions of LGBTQ+ youth.

Become a Monthly Donor to Stand Against Isolation [[link removed]]

I attended a Catholic K-8 school and an all-girls Catholic high school. Despite the challenges, I never intentionally hid any part of my identity. It just kinda simmered unattended on the back burner as I navigated life as a plus-size, neurodiverse, biracial kid.

In 2010, while in the 8th grade, I faced intense bullying from an anonymous Facebook group dedicated to harassing me. It escalated quickly with swastikas being added to my photos, people picking apart every facet of my appearance for a laugh, and the message that they wouldn’t stop until I killed myself. Most of my class was in on the joke, and it escalated to the point where the authorities got involved.

At the time, I was a HUGE Adam Lambert fan (still am), and his "It Gets Better" video [[link removed]] couldn't have come at a better time. His message of resilience and self-acceptance gave me strength, even though I thought I was straight at the time. It resonated even louder once I got older and realized I was the queer kid he had been talking to.

High school and college were where I started my journey of self-discovery. I explored gender and orientation through cosplay, art, writing and acting. I created safe spaces for myself, met other queer people and eventually came out to my family. It's taken time, but I’m finally building a life that's authentically me.

This message of empowerment and hope for a better future is the reason why I’m proud to work for the It Gets Better Project, and give LGBTQ+ youth the hope this organization once gave me.

Fight Bullying and Spread Hope to LGBTQ+ Youth as a Monthly Donor [[link removed]]

My story is proof that believing in a better future, and knowing thriving LGBTQ+ individuals exist, is critical to the survival of queer youth. Please give today, and amplify hopeful stories for LGBTQ+ youth. [[link removed]] You never know when it might be needed most.

Thank you,

Jay Taylor (they/them)

Graphic Designer

It Gets Better Project

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