About
The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization that describes itself as "the world's largest storytelling organization for LGBTQ+ youth." Founded in 2010, it uses storytelling, education, and a global affiliate network to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer young people around the world, helping them navigate adolescence with confidence and hope. It is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
Mission
It Gets Better is dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and connecting LGBTQ+ youth globally. Its founding message was simple: no matter how difficult things may be, it can get better. The organization cites research showing that LGBTQ+ youth are three times as likely to struggle with self-esteem and half as likely to receive the support they need.
What they do
- Storytelling: sharing personal video stories and original series that spark conversations about identity and resilience
- Education: It Gets Better EDU provides resources for middle and high school students, including EduGuides for schools, a youth ambassador program (Youth Voices), and an LGBTQ+ Glossary; thousands of middle and high school students engage with EDU programming every year
- It Gets Better: Changemakers, a grant program supporting youth leaders
- imi, a digital mental health tool for LGBTQ+ youth
- Global community: a network of 20 global affiliates spanning four continents — including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Greece, Guatemala, India, Hungary, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Austria, and the United Kingdom — united under one mission to support LGBTQ+ youth locally
History
The organization emerged in September 2010 in response to a wave of suicides by LGBTQ+ youth. The first video urged young people to stay true to themselves despite bullying and the challenges of adolescence, and the initial campaign inspired more than 70,000 people to share personal stories of resilience. The movement has since earned an Emmy Award and produced a New York Times bestselling book.
Scale and impact
It Gets Better reaches hundreds of thousands of young people annually through its videos, school programming, and affiliate network, and maintains brand partnerships with companies including American Eagle, Aerie, TikTok, and Converse.
