VISION
The It Gets Better Project envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals.
MISSION
The It Gets Better Project fulfills its mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe in three ways:
Storytelling and Media: Storytelling is at the center of our global effort to empower LGBTQ+ youth. We work in all forms of media to bring messages of hope to LGBTQ+ youth, spark conversations about the challenges they confront, and inform and positively influence their sexual orientation and gender identity journey.
The It Gets Better Project strives to connect daily more than 1.65 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Tumblr, Twitch, and ItGetsBetter.org. Our work has been translated into an award-winning MTV special, a NY Times bestselling book, museum exhibits, and live performances – and in 2012 was awarded the Governor’s Award for use of media to educate and inspire.
Global: The It Gets Better Project works with like-minded organizations around the world to bring life-affirming storytelling initiatives to local LGBTQ+ youth communities. Our work now spans four continents and eight languages making us the world’s largest storytelling effort to empower LGBTQ+ youth! International affiliates* are independent organizations with licenses to do business as It Gets Better in their country.
Education: It Gets Better stories can inspire empathy and understanding in others. With a premier youth ambassador program and a growing library of free educational resources delving into the LGBTQ+ experience, tens of thousands of high school students are engaged through It Gets Better EDU programming every year.
*International affiliates are located in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. To connect with these affiliates, click here.
PEOPLE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Dien – Chair & President
Avrielle Gallagher – Vice President
Brian Pines* – Secretary & Treasurer
Seth Levy*
Shaun Lewis
Stephanie Ruyle
Justin Wee
* founding member
STAFF
Brian Wenke – Executive Director (he/him)
Eboni Munn – Director, Brand Marketing, Content & Creative (she/her)
Justin Tindall – Director, Programs & Operations (he/they)
Ross von Metzke – Director, Communications & PR (he/him)
Jimmy Ancheta-Tilley, Jr. – Director of Development (he/him)
Morgan Cohn – Strategic Partnerships Manager (they/them)
Olivia Laura – Social Media Manager (she/her)
Guadalupe Morales – Project Manager (she/her)
Justin Pye – Digital Producer (he/him)
Ariella Assouline – Assistant Manager, Programs & Operations (she/her)
J.T. Bills – Graphic Designer (they/them)
Kavi Deo – Development Coordinator (they/them)
Mia Mercer – Gaming & Future Tech Coordinator (she/her)
Alex Orué – Global Programming Coordinator (he/him)
Rae Sweet-Sandoval – Education Coordinator (they/them)
Julian Nguyen – Operations Assistant (he/they)
FOUNDERS
Dan Savage
Terry Miller
For all media inquiries, email ross.vonmetzke@itgetsbetter.org.