Dear John,
Despite Maryland’s Freedom to Read act, schools still banned 64 books in the 2023-2024 school year—many by queer authors and centering LGBTQ+ identities. But a group of high school students refused to let their stories be erased.
With an It Gets Better: Changemakers grant, they launched Navigating the Margins—a writing program pairing young authors with published mentors to develop their voices. The result? A groundbreaking anthology, published in 2024, filled with stories ranging from fantasy and dystopian fiction to school dramas and murder mysteries.
"I see the book at school and I’m filled with such immense pride for all of us who were brave enough to show who we really are,"
- Percie, featured writer, Navigating the Margins
These students didn’t just write a book—they made history, creating something permanent at a time when inclusive literature is under attack. Every young person deserves the chance to see themselves in the stories they read and write.
Have an idea that could make a difference in your community? Apply for a $10,000 Changemakers grant by May 5th: itgetsbetter.org/changemakers.
Not applying, but want to support more projects like this? Your donation makes it possible: itgetsbetter.org/donate.
Plus: Check out Navigating the Margins and support the next round of writing students.
When students are given the tools to create, they build a future no one can erase.
Ariella Assouline (she/her)
Senior Manager, Programs & Operations
It Gets Better
P.S. - We have two more webinars scheduled to answer any question you could possibly imagine about Changemakers. LGBTQ+ YOUTH ONLY... join us Wednesday, April 2 at 6pm ET/3pm PT. ADULTS... please join us Monday, April 7 at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
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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