Some queer updates you're going to want to see!

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Hi John,

I know a lot of you are starting to power down for the long weekend — and good! We all need time to recharge.

But before you set your “do not disturb,” here are a few quick updates from It Gets Better that are worth bookmarking, sharing, or saving for some good weekend reading:

We closed out our 2025–2026 application window for It Gets Better: Changemakers [[link removed]] this week — and thanks to your hustle getting the word out, we saw a major increase in submissions over last year. The creativity and drive these LGBTQ+ youth are bringing to the table is unreal. Stay tuned — we’ll announce recipients in late August. Our Executive Director Brian Wenke wrote a really powerful piece [[link removed]] for The Columbus Dispatch about his experiences growing up feeling isolated and closeted in Dublin, Ohio... and a letter he recently received from a fellow student that "wrecked me." It’s a raw, heartfelt reminder of why this work we do for LGBTQ+ youth [[link removed]] matters so much. This is it. Last day to get your “Language is Power” merch in time for Pride Month. Whether you’re marching, teaching, or just want to make your neighbors think... we’ve got the gear. Every purchase supports LGBTQ+ youth [[link removed]]. Love drag? Pride? Queer joy? Check out this quick recap video [[link removed]] from our Pride Month kickoff at The Beverly Center in LA featuring Drag Race winner Onya Nurve and It Gets Better board member Tracy Gilchrist "holding space" for queer youth. Big thanks to OUTLOUD Festival and WeHo Pride for the love.

Here’s to rest, resistance, and recharging — whatever that looks like for you this weekend.

Ross W. von Metzke (he/him)

Senior Director, Marketing and Communications

It Gets Better

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It Gets Better is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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