Hey John,
Resending this because I wanted to make sure you had some happy news heading into the weekend.
The 24/7 news cycle will have us all believing the world is coming to an end — because media outlets know we are addicted to crisis. Crisis triggers our survival instincts, in turn triggering the natural high of an adrenaline rush.It feeds our narrative desires through the familiarity of dramatic tension and its ultimate resolution.
It is also exhausting.
I would encourage you to step away from the screen every once in a while, but that would be hypocritical of me. I, too, struggle with taking media breaks. Instead, I will offer you a different distraction.
While the world plods on throwing crisis after crisis at our doorsteps, it is also delivering some healthy and encouraging news as well.
We saw marriage equality becoming the law of the land in Thailand, we were reminded by Alexandra Billings that we are all revolutionists, and we saw an outpouring of support for our trans community in the wake of the baseless declaration that gender is limited to the binary.
And, yes, It Gets Better powered on knowing that the biggest threats to LGBTQ+ youth are not the obvious disasters the world can toss in their path – but the loneliness that slips in when no one is looking. Our job is to remind the youngest among us that, despite challenges and setbacks, there will always be endless paths to explore—each leading to a life filled with possibility and purpose.
John, we haven’t stopped fighting for LGBTQ+ youth—but we need you with us. Make your comeback as a donor today. Then enjoy a few highlights from January!
Only two genders? We know better. In response to the Trump Administration's declaration that the federal government will only recognize “two biological sexes,” we stepped in with a counter-narrative to send a clear, scientifically-backed message that gender comes in many colors. Each sale of our limited-edition Gender Education merch funds our ongoing educational initiatives and provides an opportunity to wear your support for our beloved trans community.
Our season one 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices recipients at Vermillion High School in South Dakota faced resistance when trying to paint a mural on campus. So they pivoted—partnering with local artists and Mural OTW (On The Wall) to create a stunning work of art downtown at Vermillion’s Café Brule. Now, that mural has been nominated for USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards in Arts.
Our global affiliate in Canada was awarded over $1.5 million in funding from the Department of Women and Gender Equality (Government of Canada) to expand their support for 2SLGBTQI+ youth. The funding, among other things, will support programming to combat online hate and to promote digital safety and literacy.
We welcomed three new Board members. I am honored to welcome Rob Leis, Christina Fialho, and Tracy Gilchrist to the It Gets Better mix. These accomplished community leaders will help amplify our work to empower LGBTQ+ young people everywhere!
Supplies are dwindling for our new Perfectly Queer card game – a conversation-starter deck designed to unpack those awkward conversations around sexual orientation and/or gender identity! Get your limited edition copy now while we still have them.
Every time January rolls around, I jokingly remind my team that “it’s time to do it all over again!” But, we never really stop – and we won’t stop until every single LGBTQ+ young person has the freedom to live equally, connect with their communities, and know their power as individuals.
We’re on the path, and it is going to take a village to make our vision a reality – but with you on our side, we’ve already won.
Let’s make 2025 a year for the history books. Let’s throw on some heels and stomp through town. We may not be able to avert a crisis – but we can stand and face it together. Queer youth deserve the world – so let’s give it to them!
Brian Wenke (he/him)
Executive Director
It Gets Better
P.S. I would be remiss to not offer a chance to invest in our work. I have been a recurring donor since I joined It Gets Better in 2016. I know that these monthly, predictable funds are incredibly important – they ensure the sustainability of our work. Please consider joining me as a monthly donor — and then let’s find some time to chat!
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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