Dear John,

In Coachella Valley, California, LGBTQ+ students from over 15 cities had long wanted to attend the Rainbow Youth Summit—but transportation kept getting in the way.

This year, thanks to an It Gets Better: Changemakers grant, that all changed.

You can help fund a 2025-2026 Changemakers grant and make moments like this happen for LGBTQ+ youth.

Can we count on your donation today? [[link removed]]

Held at College of the Desert, the 2024 summit brought queer students from across the Coachella Valley together for a powerful day of learning, expression, and connection. Workshops covered everything from drag as self-expression and drumming circles to media literacy, sexual health, and how to access scholarships and grants as LGBTQ+ students. They even invited It Gets Better's Executive Director Brian Wenke to deliver the keynote!

"Being one of 3 out students at my school is hard. Meeting so many out students and getting to know them and hear their stories and experiences made me feel less lonely. I exchanged my number with so many new friends. Finally knowing there is a community for me out there is so comforting." - student, Coachella Valley schools

The day wrapped with a drag show and mentorship from the college’s GSA—queer joy and leadership in full force.

This is what access makes possible.

Have an idea that could uplift LGBTQ+ youth in your community? Apply for a $10,000 Changemakers grant by May 5th: [[link removed]].

Not applying, but want to support more projects like this? Your donation makes it possible: itgetsbetter.org/donate [[link removed]].

Because when you remove the barriers to attend, queer youth show up—and they shine.

Ariella Assouline (she/her)

Senior Manager, Programs & Operations

It Gets Better

[[link removed]]

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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