Hey John,

It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye and congratulations to our graduating Youth Voices, and this year’s class made an unforgettable impact.

From national conferences to major media platforms, these young LGBTQ+ leaders didn’t just show up; they stood out:

• Jeremy spoke at SXSW EDU to a room full of educators from across the country.
• Mia wrote a personal piece for Teen Vogue for National Coming Out Day.
• Eli shared insights on storytelling during our Trans Day of Visibility stream and was featured in USA Today's Pride issue.
• Ellie talked openly about being LGBTQ+ and Jewish in a live conversation and wrote the foreword for our first-ever Queerbook anthology.
• Aki addressed the crowd at our Global Summit and became a central voice in our Joy Rebellion fundraising campaign.

That’s just a piece of the legacy of this year’s graduating class. Now it’s time to find the next one.

Applications are officially open for the Fall–Winter 2025 cohort of Youth Voices. We’re looking for LGBTQ+ high school students, ages 14–18, based in the U.S. who are ready to lead, create, and make their voices heard.

Know someone who fits? Send them this link. Or maybe that someone is you?

Apply by June 27 at itgetsbetter.org/yvapplication. 

Let’s give a huge congratulations to the Youth Voices Class of 2025 — and help make space for what’s next.

Raelee Sweet (they/them)
Assistant Manager, Education
It Gets Better

P.S. Programs like Youth Voices are made possible thanks to your support. Make a donation of $75 or more by June 30 and we’ll send you a free copy of Perfectly Queer, our award-winning conversation card game designed to spark joy, connection, and real talk. Donate today and help us keep uplifting LGBTQ+ youth.

It Gets Better 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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