2025 Changemakers: LGBTQ+ Youth-Led Projects You Need to Know About

Are you ready to be inspired? We’re proud to introduce the bold, youth-led projects selected for this year’s It Gets Better: Changemakers grants. Since 2022, we’ve awarded more than $1.6 million to LGBTQ+ youth-led initiatives in schools and communities across the U.S. and Canada. From Pride proms and queer closets to mental health zines and inclusive STEM events, these projects are turning bold ideas into real, lasting change. 

It Gets Better: Changemakers exists because we believe in the power of young people to lead. When LGBTQ+ youth are given access to resources and support, they don’t just imagine a better world; they build it. 

This year’s grantees have launched the most creative, expansive, and powerful set of projects we’ve ever had the honor to support. Scroll through and see the sort of magic that happens when queer youth take the lead.

It Gets Better: Changemakers is made possible with the generous support of American Eagle Foundation, Aerie Real Foundation, MAC Viva Glam Foundation, Humble Bundle, and Tumblr.

Explore the map and learn more about our 2025-2026 Changemakers grant projects. Or read the blog below.

Alaska

Students will bring queer youth together to bridge education, perspective, and culture in Interior Alaska to create a series of quarterly zines on mental health, queer history, and indigenous communities. Queer youth in Interior Alaska face miseducation and disconnection – this is one way to identify local resources, find community, and feel more connected to their peers. 

“What brings me hope is having a safe space where we can do projects and connect with other queer youth. Having supportive adults and mentors we can rely on to guide us and amplify our voices. Having grantors like It Gets Better giving us a chance to make a difference in our community and connect with queer youth in a positive creative way.” – Youth Leader

Arizona

A project in Arizona is bringing the rainbow to robotics, allowing students of all ages across the state to participate in accepting, supportive, and inclusive STEM events.

California

A school district in California hosted the most enchanted Queer Prom, transforming a beautiful space into a night full of wonder for LGBTQ+ youth to access a critical high school experience. 

“I never thought I would go to a prom. Thank you for having a queer prom.” – Youth Attendee

California – Cathedral City

A local nonprofit in the Coachella Valley of California will be hosting a youth summit, bringing together youth across four school districts for a day full of education, connection, and celebration.

California – Los Angeles

A network of schools in Los Angeles, California will be designing and implementing LGBTQ+ affirming curricula designed to affirm LGBTQ+ identities and bridge the gaps between students and families.

Connecticut – Ansonia

GSA’s across the state of Connecticut are collaborating on “Acting Out With Shakespeare,” where students will explore gender roles using some of the world’s most famous plays. 

“What brings me hope are the number of people standing up for what they believe in around the world. It’s easy to feel divided in today’s society but knowing that so many people of different backgrounds care about queer lives makes it so much easier to believe in a better future.” – Youth Leader

Connecticut – North Haven

Queer teens in Connecticut will be able to expand their bi-monthly teen programming to weekly events, offering a consistent, safe, and affirming space to build community.

District of Columbia

An organization in Washington D.C. is giving LGBTQ+ youth a voice – literally – at an annual choir concert that will be intergenerational and inspiring.

Florida – Lake Worth

LGBTQ+ youth in Florida will be able to attend a student-led Equality Prom designed to celebrate queer joy and provide a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ students. 

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the It Gets Better: Changemakers Project in selecting our event. Queer youth in Palm Beach County deserve a brave space to be themselves and celebrate life milestones in community. Oscar: I’m am so excited for this great opportunity to better the lives of LGBTQ+ teens in my community.” – Youth Leader

Florida – Miami

A local nonprofit organization and students in Miami, Florida are partnering together to create an additional series of their successful series, Taboo Talk, and launching an initiative for LGBTQ+ youth to share personal narratives of resilience, identity, and hope.

Florida – Pompano

Students will be working to solve the extreme marginalization of queer youth in South Florida through inclusive education, gender affirming care, community outreach, and skills building. 

Georgia

Students in Georgia will be creating and stocking a queer closet, complete with gender affirming clothing and care packages.

“We must create a safer, more welcoming world.” – Youth Leader

Illinois

LGBTQ+ youth in Illinois will be creating a well-being closet and pantry for all youth in the area to have an inclusive space to access vital resources.

Indiana

A group of outstanding youth leaders in Indiana hosted a Queer Prom open to their entire region so that students could feel beautiful and joyful.

Indiana

A grassroots, local youth Pride festival in Indiana will expand to become a full blown community celebration.

“I feel hope whenever I see communities rally in spite of attempts to quiet us. We continue to celebrate and come together, and seeing all the people we’re able to remind of the community that stands with them brings me hope for the future.” – Youth Leader

Louisiana

Students in Louisiana were able to attend Cirque du Slay, a fun and fabulous celebration of their local New Orleans and LGBTQ+ culture as their Queer Prom.

Michigan

An organization is partnering with LGBTQ+ youth in Michigan to amplify the untold stories of LGBTQ+ youth through a curated mentorship series on the art of storytelling.

Missouri

Students in Missouri will be creating a conference for LGBTQ+ youth in the greater St. Louis Metro area to connect students to resources and each other.

New York

In New York, a youth-led clothing swap and self-expression event for LGBTQ+ youth will provide a space for participants access resources, create art, and feel seen and celebrated.

North Carolina

High school LGBTQ+ youth in North Carolina will be compiling an anthology of original writings by LGBTQ+ youth across the country.

“Queer youth are often represented only in the context of crisis or legislation, and this project aims to reclaim their narratives by spotlighting their voices as artists, not just political subjects.” – Youth Leader

Oklahoma

A project in Oklahoma will be updating their community space to make it fully accessible and sensory-friendly, ensuring that they can continue to host their LGBTQ+ youth leadership groups, social events, and summer day camps.

Utah – Encircle

Communities across Utah will be able to attend Pride Carnivals meant for the entire community supporting LGBTQ+ youth to come together.

Vermont

A project in Vermont will be hosting two critical events, a Queer Youth Dance and a Youth Summit, to engage with LGBTQ+ youth across the region in affirmative and unforgettable experiences.

Virginia

A project in Virginia will create a youth-driven LGBTQ+ youth support program designed to foster community, highlight intersectionality, and reduce isolation through peer-led and therapist-supported groups and events.

Washington – Camas

A project in Washington will establish a “third space” for LGBTQ+ youth, allies, and advocates to gather, connect, and find support in a safe, well-stocked, and accessible space.

Washington – Seattle

An organization in Seattle, Washington will be creating affirming spaces for young Black queer men that foster dialogue and connection within Black barbershops.

“If the SEE ME Project is successful, a year from now Black barbershops in Seattle will be more inclusive spaces where young Black queer men feel safe, seen, and respected, and where open conversations across identities strengthen trust, unity, and healing within the broader Black community.”

Wisconsin – Fort Atkinson

A project in Wisconsin will be creating a celebration event dedicated to uplifting and affirming LGBTQ+ youth though a talent showcase and resource fair.

Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Local drag artists, ballroom leaders, and youth advocates will team up for classes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin celebrating ballroom culture, culminating in a full drag and ball show.

“Receiving this grant isn’t just funding for a project—it’s an investment in the voices and visions of young people in our community. It means we have the power and resources to turn our ideas into impact, to create lasting change, and to show that youth leadership is not only possible, it’s essential.” – Youth Leader