“I Could Never Have Dreamed About This for My Child”

Last week, the It Gets Better staff had the honor of sitting in on the Youth Voices Class of 2024 graduation. Friends, family, and supporters gathered to celebrate these inspiring young leaders. While their impressive list of accomplishments would captivate any college recruiter, it was an impromptu speech from one of the Youth Voices’ parents that moved everyone to tears. 

Seriously, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. 

Abril Villanueva eloquently expressed why this program has been a lifeline for her child Aaron. Her heartfelt words perfectly illustrated the critical role donors play in shaping the futures of LGBTQ+ youth.

I came to this country as an immigrant child and to see Aaron have an impact not just in the United States, but in my home country… it’s something I could have never even dreamed about. It makes me very proud that he’s a part of It Gets Better — that he can show up authentically and unapologetically as himself and that he has a platform where he can voice his frustration and is supported across the country and on a global stage. 

I want to thank It Gets Better. I’m very grateful that this program has helped my son grow so much — not just as an individual but with this amazing group of kids who are just extraordinary. As a collective, they are a force of nature. I always think of these kids as the Care Bears, putting this light out into the universe. I have been their cheerleader, I watch their videos, read their blogs, I fan out… I am constantly telling people what great work they all do. I am in awe of all of them and all of you.

Thank you so much for giving us this space. You’re putting a lot of emotional, intellectual, and even spiritual work out into the world.

Aaron and their mother Abril

You can read more about the incredible things our Youth Voices were able to accomplish in the last year. And you can support exceptional LGBTQ+ young people like Aaron. 

Consider making a donation to It Gets Better, either as a one-time donor or through monthly recurring support. Your support is what helps make young people like Aaron not just survive… but thrive.