Dear John —
My name is Fabi, and this is my second year as an It Gets Better Youth Voice. Two years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the opportunities that would come my way from joining this program. I was new to advocacy and, like many young people, felt overwhelmed and disoriented. My struggles as a queer teenager led me to It Gets Better where I found my voice and began to understand its full potential.
As a Venezuelan immigrant, I was wired from a young age to expect the worst from our government and from people in positions of power. The current spike in hate campaigns across the country made me question my safety. But finding a receptive community that embraces you completely and works together to advocate for the safety and acceptance of LGBTQ+ young people has expanded my perspective to a broader palette of colors.
There is no greater satisfaction than witnessing the impact of your voice in a community where many are not given the opportunity to use theirs.
It Gets Better is dedicated to highlighting and celebrating the stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ young people like me. Through It Gets Better, I’ve been able to use my voice to:
- Facilitate workshops with organizations dedicated to LGBTQ+ education
- Speak with outlets like NBC News about the importance of mental health care.
- Write a letter with my fellow youth voices demanding legislative action from our government to protect LGBTQ+ youth.
- Help curate and edit Queerbook, It Gets Better’s first book by and for queer youth.
None of this would have been possible without supporters like you. And, starting today through the end of June, every dollar you donate up to $50,000 will be MATCHED by our friends at e.l.f. Cosmetics.
Thank you for supporting our work and LGBTQ+ young people like me. Every donation reminds the kid in me that it does, in fact, get better and everything will be good.
Fabi Rivas (she/her)
Youth Voice - Class of 2024
It Gets Better
The It Gets Better Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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