It Gets Better

Drolefille · #1 10-09-2010, 01:16 AM

Is anyone else familiar with this campaign?

Dan Savage started it, if you're not familiar with him he's a sex/relationship columnist, he's gay, and he's frequently in his column and on his podcast talked about how being GLBTQ gets 'better' when you become an adult and have more control over your own life.

So, this was his story. It Gets Better

The goal is to tell teens to hang in there, and that making it through life is worth it, even if it doesn't feel that way right now.

Other people's stories:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vaZ7pZP8pI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK2EXWo8jNk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlYxv23TSQw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDlHPJeOcCY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvPIgX48oMM

And the list goes on.

Modern Family even got in on it, posting this vid on their facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=448498486432

I just wanted to share and pass it on. I think this is a great project and if it helps even one person it's worth it.

XAntoftheSkyX · #2 10-09-2010, 07:15 AM

I heard about this about a few weeks ago from the LGBTQ center I volunteer at. The people getting behind it are amazing and the movement itself is powerful.

LGBTQ teens need a message like this, especially trans teens, who have a much higher rate of suicide versus their straight peers.

KSig RC · #3 10-09-2010, 02:12 PM

To me, this is one of the best examples of using media, and the long reach of social media in particular, to put together a low-cost, high-yield/high-impact program to help people. The message is simple and important, and the delivery method is easy to access yet potent.

Just an incredible deal really, from every angle.

33girl · #4 10-09-2010, 02:20 PM

Saw this in Savage Love. Major, major kudos.

PeppyGPhiB · #5 10-10-2010, 12:40 AM

Now it's really turning more into a campaign against bullying in general, not just related to LGBT.

Drolefille · #6 10-10-2010, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

Now it's really turning more into a campaign against bullying in general, not just related to LGBT.

I'm for that and I'm against it. I personally could relate to the stories because I was bullied, but I don't want this to be one of those things where the majority takes it from the minority.

They're targeting LGBT teens for a big reason. I'd like to see it stay focused and continue to support The Trevor Project in the process.

agzg · #7 10-10-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I'd like to see it stay focused and continue to support The Trevor Project in the process.

Where does the money from the Trever Project go?

Drolefille · #8 10-10-2010, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agzg

Where does the money from the Trever Project go?

They run a "Lifeline," a tollfree number for LGBTQ teens to call for support/suicide prevention. Suicide prevention is their major mission, and they're also advocates and raise awareness.
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/abou...revor-programs

Ways to Give in case anyone is interested.

Full financial information and Strategic Planning on their website.

agzg · #9 10-10-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

They run a "Lifeline," a tollfree number for LGBTQ teens to call for support/suicide prevention. Suicide prevention is their major mission, and they're also advocates and raise awareness.
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/abou...revor-programs

Ways to Give in case anyone is interested.

Full financial information and Strategic Planning on their website.

Thanks for this. I haven't seen a commercial that really explains what the money they're raising goes to.

Drolefille · #10 10-10-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agzg

Thanks for this. I haven't seen a commercial that really explains what the money they're raising goes to.

Well some of the videos reference The Trevor Project and some don't. But I've mostly seen them providing the website or phone number for the intended audience, not asking for money. Not sure that I've seen any commercials for them on TV or anything. Although seems like they were mentioned on Ellen along with a "Text-to-Donate" thing.

agzg · #11 10-10-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Well some of the videos reference The Trevor Project and some don't. But I've mostly seen them providing the website or phone number for the intended audience, not asking for money. Not sure that I've seen any commercials for them on TV or anything. Although seems like they were mentioned on Ellen along with a "Text-to-Donate" thing.

Yeah, the text-to-donate.

I'm glad they don't raise money among the intended audience. That would be kindof tacky, I think.

Drolefille · #12 10-10-2010, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agzg

Yeah, the text-to-donate.

I'm glad they don't raise money among the intended audience. That would be kindof tacky, I think.

Oh yeah that would be a bad idea.

Kind of cool is that the vids are a mix, some are celebrities, from Zachary Quinto to Curt Colfer to one of the Backstreet Boys, but plenty are just from regular people.

It Gets Better also has a branch off site called Makeitbetter.org that encourages people to call their representatives to support some anti-bullying and non-discrimination bills, ones that would help all kids not just LGBT teens.

Having an income means having the money to donate and that makes me very happy.

agzg · #13 10-10-2010, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Having an income means having the money to donate and that makes me very happy.

I was ecstatic the first time I donated to NPR, LOL.