Hey John,
I'm having a full-circle moment as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. In 2010, I was the first to contribute a Spanish-language video to It Gets Better. Today, I’m leading our global efforts to reach more Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ youth.
Back then, as a 19-year-old Latine queer person from Mexico City, I shared my story about growing up queer, Catholic, and isolated. I never saw anyone like me in my community, but in adding my voice to a movement just taking shape, I hoped for a better future. A year later, my essay was included in It Gets Better’s bestselling book, a collection of voices speaking directly to LGBTQ+ youth.
As Assistant Manager of It Gets Better’s Global Program, I oversee our strategy to make programming accessible in Spanish and amplify Hispanic LGBTQ+ voices globally. In recent years, we’ve made great strides in creating spaces for Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ individuals to feel seen and heard.
With the support of a multi-year grant from Converse, through It Gets Better Español, we’ve expanded our Global Affiliate Network in Spanish-speaking countries, hosted Pride Twitch streams and global summits entirely in Spanish, and launched It Gets Better Español on Instagram with its own ambassador program to elevate Spanish-speaking creators. This work is not just about language; it's about providing resources for LGBTQ+ youth that resonate with their experiences.
John, through October 15, when you donate $15 or more to It Gets Better, we'll send you our Hispanic Heritage Month custom sticker collab, created by Barrio Drive.
As someone who once struggled with acceptance, I know how crucial it is to reach young people with messages of hope in their own language. I’m proud to elevate LGBTQ+ voices, especially those with Hispanic or Latine roots. It truly has gotten better, and I’m honored to help make sure it continues for others.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, follow It Gets Better as we:
- Host our first public Global Summit on September 24-25 on Twitch, beginning each day at 10 am. This event will be in English and Spanish.
- Spend Voter Registration Day with Youth Voices member Aaron and their grandmother, Olga, both of whom are voting for the first time.
- Share original videos from Spanish-language creators on how their queerness intersects with their latinidad.
- Offer a new Spanish-language EduGuide called “Living Your Truth” featuring some of our most recent It Gets Better videos. (coming soon)
Plus, we partnered with Barrio Drive, a movement that advocates for marginalized voices through fashion, art, and storytelling. During Hispanic Heritage Month, when you make a donation of $15 or more to It Gets Better, you'll receive the custom sticker pack they created for free.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month. May the powerful messages we share this month and always reach far and wide.
Alex Orué
Assistant Manager, Global Programming
It Gets Better
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