“I don’t want any other young LGBTQ+ person to feel the isolation I did.”

Hi John

My name is Zach Koung. My journey with the It Gets Better Project began when I was selected as one of the first members of the Youth Voices initiative [[link removed]], a program where LGBTQ+ youth across the country get to share their stories and develop into the much-needed strong and impactful leaders of tomorrow.

To me, It Gets Better isn't just another initiative — it's a family that has amplified my voice and supported me on every step of my journey as an LGBTQ+ activist. The strength of this family is founded on the support of monthly donors like you. [[link removed]]

Join Our Monthly Giving Community TODAY! [[link removed]]

Growing up in the suburbs of Maryland, I grappled with reconciling my Catholic upbringing with my LGBTQ+ identity. The bullying I faced throughout my school years was relentless, but it fueled a determination in me.

I didn't want any other young person to feel the isolation that I did. I didn't want any other kid to think that they didn't matter. This drive led me to run for and win a seat on the Howard County Board of Education.

While on the board as a voting student member, I was inspired by another Youth Voice in the program — Uma, who helped create an LGBTQ+ studies course in her school district. After months of work and the support of my fellow Youth Voices, I successfully passed a motion to create an LGBTQ+ studies course in my district, making it, alongside Uma's, among the first in the nation to offer such a program.

Your Monthly Gift Supports LGBTQ+ Leadership! [[link removed]]

Thanks to the support of monthly donors like you, I've had the opportunity to share my story everywhere from New York City Pride [[link removed]] to the education conference SXSW EDU. I now serve as a Youth Advisory Committee Co-chair with the Board of Directors, helping the It Gets Better Project drive change, adapt quickly and grow as an intergenerationally-led organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth everywhere.

But it's not just about sharing stories; it's about creating change.

Every monthly gift, even as little as $10, empowers the It Gets Better Project to expand its reach [[link removed]], develop new programs and directly impact the lives of LGBTQ+ youth around the globe.

Every donation, no matter the size, has a ripple effect. By becoming a monthly donor, you're not just supporting our work; you're investing in a brighter, more inclusive future for all LGBTQ+ people, acting as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community.

Together, we can ensure that every LGBTQ+ youth knows one truth: it gets better.

Invest in LGBTQ+ Youth: Join Our Monthly Giving Community [[link removed]]

Thank you for being a part of our journey, and for believing in the transformative power of community and support.

Zach Koung

He/They

Youth Voices Alumni & Board Liaison

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