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Blog Post

Our 2024 Global Summit Live on Twitch

Sep 18, 2024

For over a decade, It Gets Better has been committed to uplifting, empowering, and connecting LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. A significant part of this mission includes supporting like-minded organizations and programs within our growing Global Affiliate Network. Learn more about our global work here.

This year, we took our Global Summit online, hosting it digitally via Twitch in collaboration with It Gets Better México. On September 24 and 25, we gathered participants from across the world for a two-day event packed with inspiring presentations, youth-led sessions, and engaging entertainment. Our 2024 Global Summit focused on creating spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to amplify their voices, collaborate, and celebrate their resilience and creativity.

Watch our programming here on YouTube:

Day 1: Empowering Queer Youth Globally

The first day highlighted youth-led queer initiatives worldwide, a testament to the power of young LGBTQ+ leaders creating change in their communities. Segments included:

  • “It Gets Better Around the World”
  • “Queer Youth-Led Initiatives in North America”
  • “Queer Youth and Today’s Critical Issues”

Day 2: It Gets Better Español

Day 2 focused on uplifting Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ communities through engaging segments focusing on their specific communities. This day underscored our commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ youth across Latin America. Segments included:

  • “Ambassadors Chat: Queer Representation in Spanish Media”
  • “Global Grantees Showcase” 
  • *EduGuide Panel: Language for Non-Binary Inclusion”

Entertainment and Gaming  

Both days featured interactive gaming sessions with creators like BeaPlays and Emi Moonspell, fostering community and joy for LGBTQ+ youth in safe and inclusive digital spaces.

Key Highlights of the Summit

  • Showcased youth-led initiatives from North America, offering young LGBTQ+ individuals the opportunity to share their work and collaborate.  
  • Highlighted the impact of It Gets Better Español, with stories of empowerment from across Latin America, including projects funded through our Global Grants in Bolivia, Costa Rica, and México.  
  • Celebrated with entertainment and gaming, connecting participants through joyful, interactive sessions.  

The 2024 Global Summit saw meaningful reach and engagement on Twitch across both days. On Day 1, hosted on It Gets Better’s U.S. channel, we had an average of 48 viewers, peaking at 162, with 1,159 live views and 671 unique viewers. Nearly half of the views came from the U.S., with additional engagement from the UK (14%) and Canada and South Africa (6% each), bringing in 41 new followers. Day 2 on It Gets Better México’s channel saw strong engagement from Mexico (49%), with additional viewers from the U.S. (22%), Colombia (10%), Peru (7%), and Costa Rica (5%), totaling 115 unique viewers and 284 live views. 

Global Representation  

This year’s summit brought together attendees from across the globe, with representation from countries such as:  

  1. United States  
  2. México  
  3. Bolivia  
  4. Costa Rica  
  5. Canada
  6. Brazil
  7. Peru
  8. United Kingdom

These connections are a testament to It Gets Better’s ever-growing Global Affiliate Network, now present in 19 countries outside of the United States.  

What Our Participants Are Saying

“Participating in the “Queer Youth & Today’s Critical Issues” Panel representing the Queer Youth network in Canada at the 2024 Global Summit has been a top highlight for me this year and I am grateful that I was able to share my story and hopefully inspire other Queer Youth who are struggling to own their stories and make sustainable change within their communities however big or small.”  

— Jay, Youth Advisory Committee member, It Gets Better Canada  

“Connecting with leaders from other It Gets Better chapters at the digital Global Summit was truly inspiring. We shared learnings and strategies that drove our vision to strengthen support for the LGBTQ+ community in Peru.”

— Lucy Ibáñez, President of It Gets Better Perú.

Looking Ahead 

This event was made possible thanks to the invaluable support of Converse, whose funding covered the staff time dedicated to bringing it to life. With their backing, the 2024 Digital Global Summit took place at zero cost to the organization, allowing us to focus fully on creating a meaningful space for LGBTQ+ youth and allies around the world.

The 2024 Global Summit was a powerful reminder of the strength and vibrancy of our global LGBTQ+ community. As we look ahead, we’re excited to build on this momentum. In 2025, we plan to host a Spring Global Summit on Twitch. We also remain committed to expanding our reach, particularly through It Gets Better Español, and continuing our collaborations with corporate partners and global affiliates to create a brighter future for LGBTQ+ youth everywhere.

This year’s summit would not have been possible without the support of our partners and sponsors. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing commitment to uplifting LGBTQ+ youth.
For more information, please contact Justin Tindall at global@itgetsbetter.org.