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Secretary Vilsack: It Gets Better

Summary: 
If you have ever been bullied, Secretary Vilsack wants you to know that it gets better.

Editor's note: This blog post is cross-posted from the USDA's Blog

If you have ever been bullied, Secretary Vilsack wants you to know that it gets better.

The “It Gets Better” project is a website that aims to inspire hope for young people facing harassment because they are gay or perceived to be gay.  With over 15 million views the website encourages people to submit videos to show LGBT youth that despite the bullying, it does indeed get better.  Secretary Vilsack recently joined the movement and submitted his own video because he wants LGBT youth – especially youth in small-town and rural America – to know that they are never alone.

I hope that you take a moment to watch the Secretary’s video submission to the “It Gets Better” project. It’s important for LGBT youth of rural America, as well as their family members and friends to know that there are resources available and folks willing to help.

Thank you so much, and I hope that you too will take a stand to stop bullying in your community.

 

Resources:

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 (866-488-7386).

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 and Vice President Biden’s video are just a couple of the 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 or call:

National Suicide Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)