LGBTQ+ youth are better off because of these projects.

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Hello John,

LGBTQ+ youth aren’t waiting for change to happen. They’re creating it.

The 2025–2026 class of It Gets Better: Changemakers is here [[link removed]]. With projects like queer proms and Pride summits, gender-affirming closets, mental health zines, and inclusive curricula, these emerging leaders are rewriting the story of what’s possible for LGBTQ+ youth in schools and communities across the country.

Since 2022, we’ve invested over $1.6 million in 170+ youth-led projects across the U.S. and Canada. This program gets to the core of what we know to be true: LGBTQ+ youth have a keen understanding of what change needs to happen in their communities—they just need the resources and support to make it happen.

And just as importantly, they need space to define their identities beyond crisis.

"Queer youth are so often represented only in the context of crisis or legislation. Our queer anthology project aims to reclaim their narratives by spotlighting their voices as artists, not just political subjects.” - grant recipient from North Carolina

This season of Changemakers brings some exciting firsts. We have grantees in Alaska and Washington D.C. for the very first time. And in Florida, where we funded our first project only last year, there are now three projects underway, a powerful reminder of how quickly youth-led change can ripple outward.

Let’s keep that momentum growing. We want to raise at least $10,000 in individual donations [[link removed]] to fully fund one grant in the 2026–2027 Changemakers grant season.

Your gift doesn’t just back a prom, a program, or a pop-up closet. It fuels the future of the LGBTQ+ community, one led by the youth we’re supporting today.

John, can we count on

your support? Donate today [[link removed]] and help turn

these life-affirming ideas into action.

Want to see what’s possible when queer youth take the lead? Meet this year’s Changemakers. [[link removed]] We’ll be sharing more detailed information about each project in the weeks and months ahead.

Ariella Assouline (she/her)

Senior Manager, Programs & Operations

It Gets Better

P.S. This season of It Gets Better: Changemakers was made possible with support from the AE Foundation, Aerie Real Foundation, MAC Viva Glam, Humble Bundle, Tumblr, and the generosity of individual donors like you.

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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.

If you are looking for resources or support, please visit our resource center. [[link removed]]

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