Hello John,
Do you remember the famous Mr. Rogers quote about the helpers?
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
It is such a sweet sentiment and a tipping of the hat to the goodness that exists in all of us. I am fortunate enough to know so many helpers through my work at It Gets Better, but we don’t call them “helpers.” We call them CHANGEMAKERS!
Now entering its fourth season, It Gets Better: Changemakers (formerly 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices), is putting resources in the hands of young LGBTQ+ leaders who are determined to create a world in which they can thrive. This initiative is fueling the next wave of LGBTQ+ leaders, creators, and activists by giving them the platform, funding, and mentorship to turn bold ideas into real impact.
Like our grantees in South Dakota. When school administrators tried to block a student-led mural project, our grantees took their art to the streets, earning top honors from USA Today’s Reader’s Choice poll for public art.
In Connecticut, high school students from five different schools channeled their energy into a visit to the United Nations, advocating for queer rights on a global stage.
These young leaders didn’t wait for someone to hand them power. They claimed it for themselves.
Applications are open now through May 5, so if you know an LGBTQ+ young person with an idea to change their community, encourage them to apply. And if you want to join us in making a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ youth around the country, become a supporter of the 2025-2026 It Gets Better: Changemakers fund today.
It Gets Better: Changemakers is my current obsession – but there is other good news to share!
Last week, we learned that our numbers are growing. Today, an estimated 9.3% of the US population identifies as LGBTQ+. To add some context, that is equivalent to 31.6M people (more than the entire population of Texas)! The truth is, although this number appears to be growing, the LGBTQ+ community has always been this large. This increase is a testament to the confidence with which younger generations are honoring and defending their identities. Keep looking for the Changemakers!
Paul Feig (the fabulous director behind Spy, The Heat, and Bridesmaids) joined his wife Laurie in making a statement on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, “I can’t sit idly by and watch as my friends, colleagues, and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole… are stripped of their rights.” This declaration was accompanied by a $300K investment in The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline, and It Gets Better. We are here for it, and we love a strong ally who isn’t afraid to speak their mind!
The New York Times has uncovered over 200 words and phrases—many tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion—that have been flagged for removal or limited use in federal agencies. While we couldn’t fit all of the words, we wanted to give you a sampling with our “Banned Words” Crossword. While our government may try to restrict its use, we’re out here celebrating inclusive language—one clue at a time.
Our world has shifted. The forces opposed to love and acceptance are emboldened, and while it sometimes feels like things may never improve – I know that they do. I’ve been on enough trips around the sun to know that our community has never wavered in its demand for equality and acceptance, and we’re not stopping now. We will power on to ensure that every single young LGBTQ+ person believes that, even in uncertain times, life has the potential to get better. I stake my career on it!
Stay loud, stay proud,
Brian Wenke (he/him)
Executive Director
It Gets Better
P.S. Keep me honest. If you’re wondering how you can support our work, consider joining me as a recurring donor. I give $50 a month, but you can make a real difference at any level. These “set it and forget it” investments keep the lights on when times are tough!
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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