It Gets Better

Despite Maryland’s Freedom to Read act, schools still banned 64 books in the 2023-2024 school year—many by queer authors and centering LGBTQ+ identities. But a group of high school students refused to let their stories be erased. With an It Gets Better: Changemakers grant, they launched Navigating the Margins—a writing program pairing young authors with published mentors. The result? They wrote a groundbreaking anthology filled with stories ranging from fantasy and dystopian fiction to school dramas and murder mysteries. Want to do something similar for LGBTQ+ youth in your own community? Apply for a $10,000 Changemakers grant by May 5th at https://lnkd.in/gi-zVBhH or using the link in bio! #itgetsbetter?#changemakers?#gsa?#bookban?#queerlit?#lgbtqbookstagram?#bannedbooks #lgbtqyouth #queeryouth

This is why spaces like our Twitch channel, our TikTok, our Tumblr page, and other social media channels are SO important for LGBTQ+ youth. So much of what we do goes into creating safe, affirming spaces and content to uplift, empower and connect LGBTQ+ young people. Born This Way Foundation Hopelab #onlinesafety #socialmedia #itgetsbetter #lgbtqyouth #queeryouth

As many companies roll back or eliminate their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, we're looking for brands who want to step UP and make a difference! Partner with It Gets Better to join some of our longstanding brand allies — names like American Eagle Outfitters Inc., Converse, Humble Bundle, Tumblr and Bath & Body Works, just to name a few. Your support helps us build and sustain programs that uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth across the globe! Visit https://lnkd.in/gEgcAsdu and view the 2025 partnerships deck to learn how to get involved, and what partnership means for your brand. More questions, or ready to show your commitment? Email [email protected] for more info! #brandpartnerships #pridemonth #lgbtqyouth #queeryouth #nonprofit #itgetsbetter

Apply now for a $10,000 grant and this could be you! ?????????? These students in Louisiana knew they had to stand up to anti-LGBTQ+ bills in their state. Using one of our It Gets Better: Changemakers grants, they built the Q Center resource at their school, hosted a Day for Queer Youth, and hired Broadway director Jimmy Maize to help them script a short play to perform in front of lawmakers. They performed their show, “The Capitol Project,” in front of the Capitol building and shared their personal stories. State Senator Royce Duplessis asked, “How do we expect kids to stay in a state like this when laws are being passed that basically say to them, we don’t care about you?” At the end of the play, adults in the audience passed the mic to tell them over and over: "I’m here to fight with them, every step of the way." If you have an idea like this to support LGBTQ+ youth in your own community, apply now for a Changemakers grant of up to $10,000 at https://lnkd.in/gi-zVBhH by May 5th! #itgetsbetter #changemakers #grant #funding #lgbtqia #lgbtqyouth #education #grantgiving

?????????? Learn how to apply for a $10,000 Changemakers grant! Join us on March 24 at 7pm ET/4pm PT via Zoom for an info session to discuss all things It Gets Better: Changemakers! This session is for everyone interested in applying for a grant up to $10,000 to help make your community a more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ youth. We'll walk you through the program and application process, and leave time to answer YOUR questions! Register now using the link in our bio, or at igb.to/GenInfoSession #itgetsbetter #changemakers #grantgiving #education #youthempowerment #leadership #lgbtqyouth #queeryouth #transyouth

Thanks Out Magazine and Mey Valdivia Rude for sharing our Banned Words crossword. The?LGBTQ+ advocacy group, whose mission is "to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe," has released a new?online crossword puzzle?using only words and terms that have been banned or discouraged from use by the Trump administration. The website says that "under the Trump administration,?nearly 200 words and phrases?— many tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion — have been flagged for removal or limited use in federal agencies. Some of these words were erased from government websites. Others were used to flag grant proposals and policies for review."

Words shape our world. They give voice to our experiences, fuel advocacy, and define the future we’re fighting for. But under the Trump administration, nearly 200 words and phrases—many tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion—have been flagged for removal or restricted use in federal agencies. Some were wiped from government websites. Others were used to flag grant proposals and policies for review. And what’s been uncovered so far is likely just the beginning. At It Gets Better, we refuse to let our language—or our history—be erased. So while they try to silence us, we’re fighting back with a little fun. Test your knowledge with our “Banned Words” crossword puzzle, featuring just a handful of the terms this administration wants to disappear. Because no matter how hard they try, our words—and our stories—aren’t going anywhere. Play the Crossword: https://lnkd.in/gtAW4JAX #bannedwords #education #inclusivelanguage #games #itgetsbetter #queeryouth #lgbtqyouth #diversity #equity #inclusion

We want to give LGBTQ+ young people up to $10,000 to make life better for themselves and their peers—and we need your help to get this opportunity in front of them. With It Gets Better: Changemakers, we’re funding projects that create lasting impact in schools, libraries, LGBTQ+ centers, and beyond. A community Pride mural? Educational workshops? A Queer Prom? If they can dream it, we want to help make it happen. Maybe you’re a teacher, counselor, faith leader, or someone who knows the perfect young person for this opportunity. Or maybe you’re an LGBTQ+ youth with a bold idea to bring to life. Either way, now is the time to apply. Since 2022, we’ve funded 142 youth-led projects—yours could be next. Applications are open through May 5, 2025 at https://lnkd.in/gi-zVBhH. Let’s work together to create lasting change for LGBTQ+ youth across the country. #itgetsbetter?#lgbtqyouth?#queeryouth?#transyouth?#education #philanbthropy #gsa?#lgbtqcenter?#publiclibrary?#grants?#grantgiving #funding

Thank you Candid and Philanthropy News Digest for sharing it Gets Better: Changemakers and recognizing the importance of championing the LGBTQ+ leaders of tomorrow. "It Gets Better: Changemakers?is built on the fundamental belief that when young people have the resources and autonomy to shape their own futures, they become more confident, resilient, and ultimately better equipped to navigate the world around them. This initiative isn't just about funding projects—it's about giving LGBTQ+ youth the tools they need to create a world in which they can thrive." Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gi-zVBhH #itgetsbetter #changemakers #philanthropy #grantgiving #education #queeryouth #lgbtqyouth

?? ?? Want a giant Pride mural like this in your town? We could help make that happen! High school GSA club students in Vermillion, South Dakota were awarded one of our grants in 2022. They collabed with local artist group Mural Mural On The Wall to create an amazing Pride mural on the side of a local downtown restaurant, with over 70 community members contributing! Thanks to this art and other murals that decorate the streets, the town of Vermillion won the #1 spot in a Reader’s Choice award by USA TODAY for small towns with the best art scenes! The GSA club president said, "As a queer person in a place like rural South Dakota, it is easy to feel underrepresented and left out. My hope is that this project provides visibility and reminds anyone struggling that there are still people on your side." If you have an idea to support LGBTQ+ youth in your own community, apply now through May 5th for an It Gets Better: Changemakers grant of up to $10,000: https://lnkd.in/gi-zVBhH #itgetsbetter #grants #grantprogram #changemakers #lgbtqyouth #queeryouth #transyouth #artists