Tag: It Gets Better

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NYPD: It Gets Better

The New York Police Department has recorded a video for the It Gets Better Project, the series that seeks to help LGBT teens get through tough times by reminding them that life will improve.

“There was a time that I wanted to disappear, it was that painful, so I understand what it feels like,” says Det. Carl Locke, president of the Gay Officers Action League, in the video. “But it does get better.”

Police commissioner Ray Kelly reminds gay youth that they can turn to the police for help if they’re being bullied. “No one should have to suffer for being who they are,” he says.

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Austin Police Department – It Gets Better

The Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association produced a video comprising of LGBT officers and civilian members of the Austin Police Department to send a message to LGBTQ youth that it does get better.

This is part of the It Gets Better Project and The Trevor Project to reach out to LGBTQ youth who may be struggling due to bullying, harassment, and non-acceptance, and who may be thinking of committing suicide.

The message is to let those youth know that even though it is difficult today, tomorrow will bring hope, love, and life.  Help is here to get you there.

As a native Texan who spent my summers in Austin (one of my favorite cities) I’m so proud of this video.  These folks did an amazing job of communicating not only the struggles of the journey of coming out, but the pride and joy you feel when it finally “gets better” and you can accept and love yourself.

Great job guys!

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San Francisco 49ers release first NFL team “It Gets Better” video

Today, the San Francisco 49ers became the first NFL team to join the international It Gets Better Project that tells LGBT youth the truth: life can stink, but things do indeed improve.

Watch 49ers players Ahmad Brooks, Ricky Jean Francois, Isaac Sopoaga, and Donte Whitner send the positive message that life does get better.

“The San Francisco 49ers are proud to join ItGetsBetter.org, to let all LGBT teens know that It Gets Better,” says Whitner as he and his teammates explain that life’s challenges make us who we are and that any difficulty we overcome together will make us a stronger person tomorrow.

I have to say, I love all of these videos but this one really gets me a bit.  Maybe because when I was struggling with my “self” and figuring out who I was as a teenager, my best friends were football players in high school.  Those two guys, John and David, always made me feel a part of the group even when we were around kids who bullied me and called me names.  Of course, that activity didn’t happen when John and David were around.  Not only were they popular, but they were also two big guys 🙂

Their friendship helped give me courage to figure myself out and  eventually be who I am.

I hope this video does that for some kids out there today.

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Brigham Young University students: It Gets Better

I know a lot of these videos are out on the internet now, which I think is terrific. I wish I had this message available to me when I was in high school.

Living in Las Vegas – which has a huge Mormon population – I know a lot of folks who fight with intrinsically knowing who they are but afraid of the Mormon Church’s position.

I really enjoyed interviewing Justin Utley, award-winning gay singer/songwriter who grew up in Utah as a Mormon, about his journey to reconcile his life and his faith. You can listen to him tell his story on an episode of The Candi & Randy Show. Very honest and direct. I like Justin. And his music.

And I like this video. Again – direct and honest. Good job BYU kids.

From the YouTube page: USGA (Understanding Same-Gender Attraction) is an unofficial group of Brigham Young University students, faculty, and friends who wish to strengthen families and the BYU community by providing a place for open, respectful discussions on the topic of same-gender attraction.

If you’d like to add your voice to the messages of hope and love, please make a video, upload it to YouTube and send us the link. Thanks!

Find USGA on Facebook at: facebook.com/groups/byuusga

“IT GETS BETTER”
The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach — if they can just get through their teen years.

The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better. The website itgetsbetter.org is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bi, or trans can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future. It’s a place where straight allies can visit and support their friends and family members. It’s a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge, watch videos of love and support, and seek help.

If you are considering suicide or need help, call the Trevor Project now: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).

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TESTIMONY – Stephen Schwartz, Dan Savage and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

TESTIMONY – Music by Stephen Schwartz
Lyrics taken from and inspired by the It Gets Better Project
http://bit.ly/Testimonysong

In writing TESTIMONY, Stephen Schwartz collaborated with Dan Savage, creator of the groundbreaking “It Gets Better Project.” Schwartz has set the heartfelt words from the “It Gets Better” videos to music, weaving them into a breathtaking, emotional new masterpiece that speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place.

The beginning of the piece gives voice to the doubts many LGBT youth feel growing up. But as the piece progresses, the lyrics express the confidence and truth of lives lived openly as we get older and realize “it does get better.”

Artistic Director and Conductor of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Dr. Tim Seelig says, “In four decades of conducting and commissioning new choral works, ‘Testimony’ is one of the most profound works of choral art I have ever experienced. We can never adequately express our gratitude to Stephen Schwartz for what he has given to us and to the world. If one person is moved and ultimately changed by these words, all of our work will have been worth it.”

Versions will also be available on iTunes audio and video. A limited edition DVD is available for sale at http://www.sfgmc.org and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the It Gets Better Project.

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“It Gets Better” to become an MTV network special

The It Gets Better campaign, launched by Dan Savage in 2010 as a response to antigay bullying and teen suicide, is now an hour-long special with appearances by Zachary Quinto, Jake Shears, Chaz Bono, Margaret Cho, Sia, and Adam Levine, reports Entertainment Weekly.

Watch this clip from the MTV special: Vanessa

Get More: MTV Shows

Dan Savage will host the special, also titled “It Gets Better”, which will follow three young people as they struggle with LGBT issues and will premiere simultaneously on Logo/MTV February 21.
(source)