Hi John, 

Back-to-school season is never easy—but for LGBTQ+ students, it often comes with added stress: navigating new peers, policies, and classrooms that may or may not feel affirming. That’s why this year, we turned to our Youth Voices to share advice directly from students themselves.

This guidance isn’t just for the start of the school year. It’s written for LGBTQ+ students of all ages, whenever they need it most. And if you’re a parent, educator, or supportive adult, we ask you to read it (because there's valuable info for you here too) and pass it on (because not every young person feels comfortable asking for support).

> Read the full back-to-school blog and watch videos from our Youth Voices. Or, get some quick bite info below!

• One ally can change everything: A teacher who gets your name right, a peer who walks with you, a staff member who listens—sometimes that’s enough to get you through the day.
• Know your environment: From school policies to state laws, understanding what you’re up against makes it easier to navigate challenges.
• Build your people: Community isn’t always a given, it’s often created. Through friendship, art, activism, or storytelling, there are always ways to connect.
• Find joy, however you can: Whether it’s a new backpack, a book, or a playlist, small sparks of joy matter
• Be yourself: Loudly or quietly, showing up as who you are is powerful.

These reminders are simple, but they carry weight because they come from LGBTQ+ students themselves. At It Gets Better, we believe in letting youth lead, and their advice can be a lifeline for students, and a resource for the adults who care about them.

Back our Youth Voices ambassadors. Your support today helps fund It Gets Better's critical youth programming.

No young person should start the school year feeling alone. Thanks to our Youth Voices, they don’t have to.

It Gets Better's Youth Voices
(Fall/Winter 2025 Cohort)

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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