I came out to my parents via Skype in 2009. They were in Mexico and I was studying in Canada. I felt isolated and alone, and it wasn’t just because of the distance.
That year, I stumbled upon Dan Savage’s book The Commitment. In it, Dan wrote about his life and his experiences as an out, gay man. It was a life-saving moment for me. It was the very first time I felt like I could relate to someone, and that someone might understand me.
Knowing the power personal stories have, I knew I had to respond to Dan Savage’s call to share my story when he launched the It Gets Better Project a year later. I was the first person to make an It Gets Better video in Spanish and I was chosen to be part of the It Gets Better book of essays as a result. It felt like things had come full circle.
Now, ten years later, I’m a staff member at the It Gets Better Project, and I’m proud to announce the release of our EduGuide for The New York Times bestselling book, It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living. It’s a look back at some of the stories that first shaped the organization and that reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience.
For educators and parents looking to champion inclusive learning — and for young LGBTQ+ people in need of inspiration — let this EduGuide offer a look at a life worth living, not in spite of who you are, but because of it.
Alex Orué
Coordinator, Global Programming
It Gets Better Project