How a viral video movement evolved into a global support system for queer youth
In short: Founded in 2010 to combat the tragic suicides of bullied teenagers, the It Gets Better initiative transformed from a collection of hopeful YouTube videos into a massive, international nonprofit. Today, it provides direct financial support, psychological services, and educational tools to empower LGBTQ+ youth across the globe.
The movement began on September 1, 2010, when journalist and activist Dan Savage launched a video campaign in response to the suicides of teenagers like Billy Lucas, Tyler Clementi, and Seth Walsh. Savage’s original goal was simple: to have gay adults share personal stories of resilience, assuring isolated youth that their lives would eventually improve. The project quickly gained momentum, attracting over 50,000 video entries and receiving more than 50 million views, with high-profile support from figures like Barack Obama.
Beyond its digital origins, the organization expanded into literature and television. A 2011 book of essays, edited by Savage and Terry Miller, reached the New York Times Best Seller list, while the project’s media strategy earned the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Governor's Award. By 2012, the initiative had transitioned into broadcast media with two one-hour television specials aired on MTV and Logo, further cementing its role as a powerful platform for public education and advocacy.
Today, the organization has evolved into a comprehensive support network with affiliates in countries ranging from Argentina to India. It now provides tangible resources, such as the 'Hora Segura' service in Latin America, which offers free psychological support, and the GLO app in Canada, which helps students navigate stress and cyberbullying. In 2024, the group dropped 'Project' from its name to better reflect its shift from a viral campaign to a sustained, global infrastructure for queer youth empowerment.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: It Gets Better Project
- Also: Wikidata — It Gets Better Project · CC0
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