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It Gets Better - an open letter from the First Lady
Words of encouragement and hope for LGBT youth across our country
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Michelle Obama
First Lady of the United States		  

It Gets Better - an open letter from the First Lady

Words of encouragement and hope for LGBT youth across our country

from Michelle Obama
First Lady of the United States

The White House

October 2010

Good morning,

As a mother, I can only imagine how devastating it would be to lose a child.  So I was shocked and saddened when I heard that several young people had taken their own lives recently after being bullied for being gay -- or because people thought they were gay.

No one should ever feel so hopeless or tormented that they take their own life. Bullying of any kind, for any reason, is unacceptable.  As adults, it's our responsibility to create a safe environment for our children. That includes setting an example of respect for one another -- no matter our differences.

That's why I'm writing to you today.  In the wake of these terrible tragedies, thousands of Americans have come together to share messages of encouragement and hope with LGBT youth across our country who might be having a hard time in school or in their communities.  And I wanted to share with you the video that Barack recorded to join his voice with all those who have told their own personal stories:


Middle school and high school can be tough for any kid.  But it can be especially wrenching if you're taunted or harassed by your peers, if you are made to feel worthless or alone because you don't look or act like everybody else.  And if you're in that situation, it can be hard to imagine that things will ever change.  But they will. 

If you've been bullied, you need to know that this is not your fault. There are adults -- whether in your family, your school or your community -- who can help.  Most importantly, you need to know how special and valuable your life is not just to your family and friends but to the entire country. You truly have a bright future ahead of you.

If you're a parent worried about your child being bullied, or a young person who's being bullied by their peers and aren't sure where to turn, you can learn more here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/ItGetsBetter (see box below)

Please take care of yourselves and of one another.

Sincerely,

Michelle Obama
First Lady of the United States

 

President Obama: It Gets Better

Posted by Brian Bond

October 21, 2010

Recently, several young people have taken their own lives after being bullied for being gay – or perceived as being gay – by their peers. Their deaths are shocking and heartbreaking tragedies. No one should have to endure relentless harassment or tormenting. No one should ever feel so alone or desperate that they feel they have nowhere to turn. We each share a responsibility to protect our young people. And we also have an obligation to set an example of respect and kindness, regardless of our differences.

This is personal to me. When I was a young adult, I faced the jokes and taunting that too many of our youth face today, and I considered suicide as a way out.  But I was fortunate.  One of my co-workers recognized that I was hurting, and I soon confided in her.  She cared enough to push me to seek help.  She saved my life.  I will always be grateful for her compassion and support – the same compassion and support that so many kids need today. 

In the wake of these terrible tragedies, thousands of Americans have come together to share their stories of hope and encouragement for LGBT youth who are struggling as part of the It Gets Better Project.  Their messages are simple: no matter how difficult or hopeless life may seem when you're a young person who's been tormented by your peers or feels like you don't fit in: life will get better.

President Obama is committed to ending bullying, harassment and discrimination in all its forms in our schools and communities.  That's why he recorded this message.

Last year, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services joined forces with four other departments to create a federal task force on bullying.  In August 2010, the task force staged the first-ever National Bullying Summit, bringing together 150 top state, local, civic, and corporate leaders to begin mapping out a national plan to end bullying.   The task force also launched a new website, www.bullyinginfo.org, which brings all the federal resources on bullying together in one place for the first time ever. 

If you're a young person who's been bullied or harassed by your peers, or you're a parent or teacher who knows a young person being bullied or harassed, here are a few resources that can help you:

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LBGTQ youth by providing resources and a nationwide, 24 hour hotline.  If you are considering suicide or need help, call: 866-4-U-TREVOR.

BullyingInfo.org
BullyingInfo.org is a project of the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP) focused on providing tools and resources for youth, parents, teachers and mental health providers to prevent and address bullying. 

It Gets Better Project
President Obama's video is just one of thousands of videos submitted by people across the country to inspire and encourage LGBT youth who are struggling.  You can watch more videos at ItGetsBetterProject.com.

For even more information and resources visit:

A transcript of the President's video is here.

Brian Bond is Deputy Director of the Office of Public Engagement

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/10/21/president-obama-it-gets-better