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., 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. 

Receiving a grant from It Gets Better 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. 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