Support It Gets Better. Keep trans stories alive.

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Hi John,

When I was in 3rd grade, I was obsessed with the book Wonder by RJ Palico. The story follows a young boy with facial differences as he attends a mainstream school for the first time. At the time, I was struggling with switching schools, and I found Auggie's story of resilience to be incredibly comforting. Despite his initial struggles, the school eventually came to embrace Auggie.

Later that year, when the movie version came out, I begged my parents to see it. The cast brought Auggie’s story to life. It made me want to be a storyteller. Now, theater is one of my greatest passions, connecting me with some of my closest friends. This one franchise has had a profound impact on my life.

Fast-forward, and I’m 13, questioning my gender identity. In an attempt to find answers, I looked for queer characters in the media. Any mention of trans identities would make my face light up. It was so hard to find anything, I had to celebrate what I could. But I started noticing some concerning patterns.

Youth Voices ambassador Bekah

I was able to count on my fingers the number of trans masculine TV or movie characters, and the characters that did exist lacked intersectionality. Even now, I can’t remember seeing any Jewish trans masc figures, like myself, on screen, and when I did find characters, their trans identities overshadowed everything else. I wanted to learn about their hobbies, passions, and aspirations, but I was mostly shown the transphobia they dealt with. That terrified me. I am so much more than my gender. Why should I have to give that up?

As I started moving away from mass media, I was able to find stronger representation—trans content creators exploring their own narratives, queer fiction where LGBTQ+ people thrive, and comedians who reminded me you can still find humor even when things aren’t looking great. When I’m exhausted from activism, I often turn to comedy to find the light.

Trans media changes lives. It helps kids like me see they are not alone. It helps allies better understand the trans community so they can best support their loved ones. It helps educate the general population that trans people are everywhere and that their stories matter. While there has been a lot of progress in crafting trans narratives, the battle is not over.

That’s why I’m asking you to support It Gets Better before the year ends [[link removed]]. We create and elevate stories by LGBTQ+ youth, we invest in youth-led leadership and help inspire them to share and create their own stories. We make sure the next generation isn’t just represented—they’re leading. Your end-of-year gift helps make space for more trans stories, more trans joy, and more trans futures that feel possible.

If my story resonates with you, please make an end-of-year gift to It Gets Better today [[link removed]].

Thank you for standing with us,

Bekah (he/him)

Youth Voices Ambassador

It Gets Better

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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.

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