It Gets Better made me believe REAL CHANGE IS TANGIBLE!

Hi John

My name is Ava K. I am a senior at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans and am the co-president of our Gender Sexuality Alliance for the second year in a row.

When we first found out about the application for 50 States. 50 Grants. [[link removed]], it felt out of reach. As a queer person in this country, you learn not to expect too much, so I have begrudgingly taught myself to manage expectations.

But something told us to give it a shot, so with the help of other board members, we spent hours writing the grant proposal, living in a dream-like world that I never thought could become a reality.

I remember the exact moment I found out. My co-GSA president Amelia called me and we both screamed as tears rolled down my eyes. It was a life-changing moment that has become one of my core memories.

Your Support Helps LGBTQ+ Youth Like Ava! [[link removed]]

Receiving a grant from It Gets Better [[link removed]] has allowed us to spearhead tangible change in our school and community. Watching the Q-Center at my school slowly grow and seeing the impact it continuously has on students is beyond rewarding and fulfilling. Thanks to It Gets Better, our dream project is becoming a reality.

In this world where our future is unpredictable and our safety is often threatened, it is so crucial to have this sacred space and resource for our queer community. I feel less fear and guilt about graduating because I know that through the grant, we have built a foundation for our underclassmen to personalize and develop continuously. I continually hear positive feedback from our admission director, saying the Q-Center is attracting new students, and solidifying Franklin’s reputation as an LGBTQ+ safe haven in a red state.

I encourage anyone who is reading this to take the time to apply for 50 States. 50 Grants. [[link removed]] It is more worthwhile than you could ever imagine. Thank you, It Gets Better, for making me believe that real change is tangible, even in a climate dominated by hatred.

Ava K.

Senior - Benjamin Franklin High School

New Orleans, LA

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