Hi John

It Gets Better is thrilled to announce Chappell Roan as our inaugural “Joy Rebel of the Year”—an honor envisioned and bestowed entirely by our Youth Voices, a group of ten queer youth ambassadors from across the country (including two from the Midwest). Led by Violet and Kay, the Youth Voices celebrated the"Midwest Princess" in a column written for Out.com, calling her “a force of nature who shows us what it looks like to take up space unapologetically.” 

This recognition comes at a time when queer and trans youth face a barrage of bigoted legislation, with more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 2024 alone and a slate of new attacks waiting in the wings. In response, It Gets Better conceived of the Joy Rebellion campaign, highlighting the resilience and defiance of queer youth in the face of these escalating attacks on their rights and identities.

Chappell Roan embodies this spirit of rebellion and joy — she is “more than an artist who creates music we love to scream-sing; she's a force of nature who shows us what it looks like to take up space unapologetically. Chappell’s music has opened up a space for conversations many of us have never had but honestly needed.”

As a queer woman, Roan’s presence and advocacy resonate deeply with LGBTQ+ youth, especially in communities that often feel isolating. From empowering lyrics to her iconic MTV Video Music Award speech in which she urged queer you to never "let anyone tell you that you can't be exactly who you want to be," Roan has become a symbol of defiant joy. 

"Because here's the truth," the Youth Voices write. "In a world that wants women and LGBTQ+ people to quiet down, Chappell stands up and speaks, and we think that's powerful.  Chappell has taught us to speak up for ourselves and self-advocate — even when, as teenagers born into a culture of insecurity, we instinctively start every sentence with 'I'm sorry.' This year, we honor that there is no need to apologize for our identities– and that's because of Chappell."

The Joy Rebellion campaign, which runs through the end of the year, serves as a reminder that no law, politician, or prejudice can extinguish the power of queer joy. Thank you, Chappell Roan, for using your platform and your joy to uplift the queer community.

For more information or to support the Joy Rebellion and It Gets Better's work to uplift, empower and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe, visit itgetsbetter.org.

- It Gets Better

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