It Gets Better Global Summit

On March 16 and 17, 2023, the It Gets Better Project gathered members of its Global Affiliate Network in Toronto for a two-day global summit — an opportunity for representatives from the It Gets Better Project’s global affiliates to strengthen relationships and learn from each other in pursuit of our mission to uplift, empower and connect 2SLGBTQ+ around the globe.

Presented in collaboration with It Gets Better Canada and Pink Triangle Press with financial support from the Howmet Aerospace Foundation, this year’s Global Summit in Toronto brought together representatives from eight countries, focusing on ways to reconnect with local queer communities after three years of a global pandemic.

The Summit was filled with inspiring keynotes, affiliate-led presentations, and networking opportunities with peers and nonprofit leaders who are working for the benefit of 2SLGBTQ+ youth. From March 16-17, 2023, we convened to:

Showcase current and ongoing projects that our network of Global Affiliates and Global Grantees are implementing for the benefit of LGBTQ+ youth in their countries.
Strengthen the working knowledge of the global LGBTQ+ movement, particularly of LGBTQ+ youth, and the role nonprofits like the It Gets Better Project and its partners globally play in paving the way for their future.

Reconnect in person with local communities and global partners to identify new opportunities for future collaborations and to continue to learn from each other.

The event included representatives from Egale Canada, Canadian federal officials, the It Gets Better Project, and scholars from our Global Affiliates in Brazil, Canada, Hungary, India, and the United Kingdom, as well as our Global Grantee from Taiwain since 2021: Asia Rainbow Ride.

It Gets Better UK is fighting for a ban on conversion therapy.

It Gets Better Brazil tackles language barriers between English, Spanish, and Portuguese and created a guide for political anxiety for queer youth.

Asia Rainbow Ride hosts a bike ride – around the entire COUNTRY – to raise money and awareness for LGBTQ+ rights in Taiwan.

It Gets Better India reaches out to parents to help them learn acceptance and understanding of their LGBTQ+ kids, and raises awareness of intersex rights and issues.

It Gets Better Hungary has a big challenge: it’s technically illegal to “promote” LGBTQ+ content and their stories are considered gay “propaganda” – but they’re STILL out here trying to reach queer youth.

Issues facing LGBTQ+ youth differ all around the world, which is why our global affiliates are uniquely qualified to address the needs kids are facing their countries. They are consistently collaborating with and learning from one another about best practices on a global scale.