It Gets Better and Spirit Day

NYAGs wanted to take this time in order to address all of the recent awareness of bullying against gay people and bullying in general. We know that we're a bit behind schedule, but we thought something is better than nothing, even if it were a few days late.

In light of the recent suicides due to bullying, many YouTube stars, Celebrities and other people from all around the world have collaborated a video project called It Gets Better. The project is videos in which gay people (and some straight) provide their own stories and inspiring messages to those who are openly and closeted gay. These stories are a glimpse of the future; that perhaps these stories will give hope and the reassurance needed that bullying in school does go away and that these young people (and any people, really) should stay true to themselves, come out when they're ready, and know that there are people out there who love and care for them no matter who they are.

Because of this project which has hundreds of videos (including faces like Michael Buckley, Chris Colfer, Ellen DeGeneres and even President Obama), Spirit Day was enacted - a day to wear purple, commonly associated as the "gay" color, to remember all of those who have suffered and made it through to pass on their message and all of those who have suffered and never made it.

The fact that this even has to be an issue is heartbreaking. We all - straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, queer, what-have-you - should come together and embrace our likenesses rather than our differences. Our condolences go out to those families who have lost loved ones because of bullying or harassment in schools and other places, and to those who are struggling in finding who they are in a world that seems so un-accepting.

Further information can be found at:
ItGetsBetterProject via YouTube
The Trevor Project via Youtube
It Gets Better Project via Internet
The Trevor Project via Internet

Bullying is unacceptable in any form. Stop the hate.