Dear John,
As anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment surged in Mississippi, many LGBTQ+ students felt overwhelmed and unsure where to turn—especially when facing a crisis or navigating their identity. So they built what they needed: a safe space of their own.
With an It Gets Better: Changemakers grant, they launched, an after-school program where students could create, relax, and connect with others. This wasn’t just about art—it was about community, healing, and empowerment.
It Gets Better has sponsored this program for three years, and in 2024, they took their work a step further, creating an illustrated comic book guide for LGBTQ+ teens. Showcased at a local gallery alongside student art, the exhibit attracted 1,500 visitors.
Messages from the artwork were clear and powerful: “Don’t hate what you don’t understand.” Others called for action on the environment, drug use, and equal pay—showing just how deeply these young artists think about their future.
These students turned uncertainty into expression. They didn’t just make art; they made a statement.
Do you have an idea that could uplift LGBTQ+ youth 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.
Because when young people are given space to create, they transform the world around them.
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 today 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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