It Gets Better Turns 16

By Ross W. von Metzke

We keep coming back to one detail from our 16th birthday: some of our newest Youth Voices and grantees weren’t even born when the first It Gets Better video was posted.

Sixteen years ago, we hoped young people would grow up knowing a better future was possible. Today, a whole new generation is coming to It Gets Better with their own ideas about what that future should look like—and the determination to help build it. That’s more than a birthday milestone. It’s a reason to keep showing up.

➡️ – Help put resources behind their ideas with a birthday gift today.

So what does that mean exactly? They’ve grown up as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” became history, marriage equality became the law of the land, and trans people were celebrated on magazine covers and some of the world’s biggest stages. They’ve witnessed the Supreme Court affirm workplace protections for gay and transgender people. Milestones many of us remember fighting for are already part of their history.

We know how much we still have to fight for. But there’s something powerful about seeing young people who weren’t here for the beginning take ownership of what comes next.

Friend, these young people are ready to lead. Will you help put resources behind their determination? Make a birthday gift today to help provide the mentorship, funding, and opportunities they need to turn their ideas into action.

Sixteen years ago, adults shared their stories to show LGBTQ+ young people that a better future was possible. Today, we’re also helping young people define that future for themselves and giving them tools to build it. Through It Gets Better, they’re finding community, advocating for themselves and their peers, and leading projects that make their schools and communities better.

They’re deciding what needs to change and doing something about it. That’s the very definition of better!!!

Take a minute to meet some of them:

• Our seven newest Youth Voices, building leadership skills, collaborating with their peers and using their stories and experiences to speak up about what matters to them.
• Our newest It Gets Better: Changemakers grantees, creating inclusive classrooms, affirming proms, videos, zines, accessible spaces, and more in their communities.

Your support helps put funding, resources, and support behind their ideas. For our 16th birthday, help us give more LGBTQ+ young people the chance to say, “We made this happen.”

Give $16 for 16 years—or whatever you can.

Thank you for helping this generation build the next 16 years.