It Gets Better Project

Definition

The It Gets Better Project is an online campaign aimed at providing support and hope to LGBTQ+ youth who are facing bullying and discrimination. This initiative encourages individuals to share their personal stories and messages of resilience, showing young people that their lives can improve despite the challenges they may encounter due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Launched in 2010 by Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller, the It Gets Better Project gained widespread attention through viral videos featuring celebrities and ordinary individuals sharing uplifting messages.
2. The project emphasizes the importance of community support and understanding in helping LGBTQ+ youth navigate their challenges and realize that their current situations can improve over time.
3. The campaign has inspired countless video submissions from individuals worldwide, fostering a sense of belonging and hope for young people who may feel isolated.
4. Research has shown that initiatives like the It Gets Better Project can positively impact the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth by reducing feelings of hopelessness and increasing resilience.
5. The project's efforts also extend beyond online videos; it includes educational resources for schools to create safer environments for LGBTQ+ students and reduce bullying.

Review Questions

• How does the It Gets Better Project address the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in today's society?
  • The It Gets Better Project addresses challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth by providing a platform for sharing personal stories and messages of hope. By showcasing real-life experiences from both celebrities and everyday people, it helps young individuals see that they are not alone in their struggles. This visibility encourages resilience and promotes community support, essential factors in helping youth cope with bullying and discrimination.
• Evaluate the impact of the It Gets Better Project on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth in comparison to traditional support systems.
  • The It Gets Better Project has significantly impacted the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth by fostering a supportive online environment that may be more accessible than traditional support systems. Unlike conventional counseling services that might not be available in all areas, this project reaches a global audience through social media. The shared narratives promote understanding and reduce stigma, allowing young people to feel validated and hopeful about their futures compared to seeking help through less visible or less relatable means.
• Assess how the It Gets Better Project's approach can be integrated into school curriculums to enhance inclusivity for LGBTQ+ students.
  • Integrating the It Gets Better Project's approach into school curriculums can enhance inclusivity by incorporating its messages of acceptance and resilience into educational content. Schools can use videos from the project as discussion starters about diversity, empathy, and respect for all identities. By creating safe spaces where students can openly discuss LGBTQ+ issues and providing resources for allyship, educators can foster a more inclusive environment that mitigates bullying while empowering all students to support one another in their individual journeys.

Related terms

LGBTQ+: An acronym representing the diverse community of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and others, such as intersex and asexual individuals.

Bullying: A repeated aggressive behavior that can take various forms, including verbal, physical, or relational harm, often targeting marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ youth.

Mental Health: The emotional, psychological, and social well-being that affects how individuals think, feel, and act, particularly significant for LGBTQ+ youth who may face increased risks due to societal pressures.