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.
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: itgetsbetter.org/changemakers.
Not applying, but want to support more projects like this? Your donation makes it possible: itgetsbetter.org/donate.
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
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.
If you are looking for resources or support, please visit our resource center.
It Gets Better Project Disclosure Statement.
Want to update your email preferences?
Visit our Email Preferences Center to curate which emails you receive from the It Gets Better Project.
