It Gets Better

OUR MISSION - It Gets Better is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe.

OUR VISION - It Gets Better envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally, connect to their communities, and know their power as individuals.

OUR APPROACH - We create space for young people to explore their identities, advocate for themselves and their peers, and step into leadership, using storytelling, global community building, and educational programming as tools for transformation. This approach isn’t about fixing what’s wrong; it’s about amplifying what’s already powerful within each LGBTQ+ young person and helping them see a future that’s worth fighting for. And because no young person becomes a leader alone, our programs intentionally connect youth with mentors and peers who model resilience, share knowledge, and help them take their first steps into leadership.

The Challenge
LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of bullying, family rejection, and isolation than their peers. Hostile laws and censorship only deepen feelings of invisibility and fear. Without affirming support, too many young people struggle to imagine a future for themselves.

Our Approach
We believe change starts upstream, before crisis begins, by giving LGBTQ+ youth the tools, resources, spaces, and support they need to thrive. Our work is organized into three core program areas:

• Storytelling: Authentic, youth-driven narratives across YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, books, and live events that offer visibility, spark belonging, and remind LGBTQ+ youth they are never alone.
• Education: Flagship initiatives include Youth Voices, which trains teen leaders in advocacy and storytelling; Changemakers, a grant program that funds youth-led projects in schools and communities; imi, a free, research-backed digital mental health tool for LGBTQ+ teens; and classroom resources like EduGuides, which help educators bring inclusive stories into learning environments.
• Global Community: From our bilingual It Gets Better Español initiative to our Affiliate Network spanning 19 countries, we connect youth worldwide with culturally relevant content, resources, and support systems.

The Outcome
We know young people thrive when they are seen, supported, and given space to grow on their own terms. By consistently providing affirming environments, access to resources, confidence-building opportunities, and positive representation, we reduce isolation, strengthen coping skills, and foster resilience.

The result is:

• Empowered youth who advocate for themselves.
• Uplifted youth with positive self-identities and a healthy path to adulthood.
• Connected youth who build caring communities through meaningful relationships.

Some will grow into visible leaders and changemakers. Others will thrive simply by living authentically and knowing their worth. Together, they are shaping a brighter future for us all.