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 at the Emmy’s for use of media to educate and inspire.
Global Community Building: 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! The It Gets Better team works tirelessly to provide our affiliates with the resources they need to be successful, including content translations, financial support, continuing education, and more.
Education: With a premier youth ambassador program and a growing library of free educational resources delving into the LGBTQ+ experience, tens of thousands of middle and high school students are engaged through It Gets Better EDU programming every year in person, digitally and wherever learning takes place.
*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)
Justin Tindall – Senior Director, Programs & Operations (he/they)
Eboni Munn – Director, Storytelling and Strategic Marketing (she/her)
Ross von Metzke – Director, Communications & PR (he/him)
Jimmy Ancheta-Tilley, Jr. – Director of Development (he/him)
Olivia Laura – Social Media Manager (she/her)
Ariella Assouline – Manager, Programs & Operations (she/her)
Jay Taylor – Graphic Designer (they/them)
Morgan Cohn – Strategic Partnerships Manager (they/them)
Guadalupe Morales – Project Manager (she/her)
Justin Pye – Digital Producer (he/him)
Mia Mercer – Assistant Manager, Gaming and Broadcasting (she/her)
Alex Orué – Assistant Manager, Global Programming (he/they)
Kavi Deo – Senior Coordinator, Development (they/them)
Rae Sweet-Sandoval – Senior Coordinator, Education (they/them)
Yarit Rodriguez – Communications Coordinator, Social Media – It Gets Better Español (elle, them)
Julian Nguyen – Operations Assistant (he/they)
FOUNDERS
Dan Savage
Terry Miller
For all media inquiries, email ross.vonmetzke@itgetsbetter.org.