Dear John,
Until this year, Washington had never seen anything like it: a conference by and for LGBTQ+ students. No blueprint. No precedent. Just a group of Seattle high schoolers with a vision—and the will to make it real.
With support from an It Gets Better: Changemakers grant, Seattle Public Schools hosted their first-ever Community and Culture Conference—a transformative event for queer and trans youth across the district. Nearly 200 students showed up from almost every high school, filling a space that had never existed for them before.
The day was packed: over 20 workshops led by LGBTQ+ artists, educators, healthcare workers, and culture-makers. A queer-centered resource fair. A gender-affirming clothing swap. Drag and ballroom performances that brought the house down. It was loud, joyful, affirming—and unforgettable.
Student feedback said it all:
“It felt like joy, understanding, and strength.”
“This made me wish I wasn’t a senior so I could go again.”
”I have sometimes felt like I’m not queer enough… but being accepted here meant a lot.”
This wasn’t just a conference. It was a promise: you belong here.
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 students are given the mic, they don’t just speak—they build the future they want to live in.
Ariella Assouline (she/her)
Senior Manager, Programs & Operations
It Gets Better
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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