Hi John,
I’ve been thinking about the importance of books, reading, and education a lot lately. How it connects us to ourselves and connects us to people whose experiences are different from our own.
That idea has inspired our 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices grantee in Maryland two years in a row. Thanks to the support of It Gets Better, these incredible LGBTQ+ students created a writing program paring young authors from different minority communities with author mentors to learn more about the writing process and how to share their stories and experiences. The result? They’ve created their own book, Navigating the Margins, which is particularly impressive at a time when inclusive education and literature is under attack.
“Navigating the Margins has a double meaning – navigating the margins of our identities and experiences - alluding to marginalization, but also navigating the margins of a page,” faculty advisor Danielle explained. “The margins of a book may at first appear to just be blank space. However, these are also where stories come together, where they connect, where you can write notes, discuss, and think deeper.”
Being able to hold their published book in my hands fills me with a joy and pride so profound. Here is the physical representation of the critical work 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices makes possible. We uplift students’ voices, give them a space to discover and express themselves, and watch them soar.
Now, more than ever, we want to make sure education for LGBTQ+ students is prioritized. John will you step up and help us bring critical grants for LGBTQ+ students into classrooms and schools around the country? You can pledge your general support or be one of the first individual supporters of our 2025-2026 grant opportunity.
“I see the book at school and I’m filled with such immense pride for all of us who were brave enough and proud enough to show who we really are,” said Percie, a student author featured in the book.
Check out Navigating the Margins.
Join us in giving more students like Percie have the opportunity to feel proud. you’re helping us mentor the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders by advocating for them today
Stay Proud!
Ariella Assouline (she/her)
Manager, Programs & Operations
It Gets Better
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