It Gets Better

The World Wide Internets have been exploding with blogs, vlogs, updates, websites, tweets and retweets about the new “It Gets Better” project. If you don’t know what this is, it is a project started by the magnificent Dan Savage to address the current state of youth suicide rates (especially among the LGBT community) in America. Now, those of you who know me, know that suicide prevention is one of those things that is “my issue”, meaning it hits a personal cord with me. This feeling is so much so that I feel compelled to speak out for those who feel alone and have even guided my career path toward suicide prevention counseling.

Youth suicide, especially suicide among LGBT youth (both closeted and not), has always been a problem in America. A problem that society was ready and willing to overlook. Unfortunately, there has been a large number of LGBT-related suicides in the past few months that have grabbed America’s attention. Here are some statistics that the “It Gets Better” project posted on its website:
- 9 out of 10 LGBT students have experienced harassment at school
- LGBT teens are bullied 2 to 3 times as much as straight teens
- More than 1/3 of LGBT kids have attempted to commit suicide
- LGBT kids are 4 times as likely to attempt suicide then our straight peers
- LGBT youth with “highly rejecting” families are 8 times more likely to attempt suicide than those whose families accept them

These numbers are surreal and completely unacceptable. For those who feel helpless and hopeless and are reading this, you are not alone. You are cared for. I care for you, whether I know you or not. It gets better & you deserve it. It always gets better. Please do not feel ashamed of who you are or who you may become because, trust me, you will learn to love yourself and you will be loved. Do not give up. The world is a better place with you in it.

If you are feeling suicidal, hopeless and/or alone, please do not keep quiet. Please reach out. You can reach out here to the Trevor Project (1-866-4-U-TREVOR) if you need to talk and hear that you are loved, that you matter and how to get the help that you need. You can check out To Write Love On Her Arms here to learn about others who have pushed through & will help support your personal fight.

Additionally, if you know someone that you suspect may be feeling hopeless or suicidal, please do not stand by. Take action. Tell them how much you care about them. Click here to read how to help someone.

I also want to add the original It Gets Better video, by Dan Savage and his partner, Terry. Please enjoy and keep fighting the good fight.

I love you for exactly who you are.

-Ann Marie

Advertisement