Though there are a number of important distinctions between them, there are many common themes and experiences that link the LGBT and Intersex community, hence the use of LGBTQIA.
One of the most apparent is the fact that many young people face daily tormenting and bullying, leading them to feel like they have nowhere to turn. LGBT kids and teens, will often hide their sexuality and themselves for fear of bullying. Without other openly gay adults and mentors in their lives, they can't imagine what their future may hold. In many instances, gay and lesbian adolescents are taunted — even tortured — simply for being themselves. Many of these teens couldn't see a positive future for themselves, but the "It Gets Better Project" does.
On a personal note, every single video resonated with me. Despite the demographic differences between the people in these videos; geographic, economic, age, race, sexuality, gender, sex etc., and then the further differences between them and me, these testimonies made me feel connected to something larger and understood.
As Janet Mock puts it "what makes stories so powerful is that when we have access to them we feel less alone...We feel like we could go out and conquer the world because someone had already been there." The XYSuz 'It Got Better' video is still to come but in the meantime look at these powerful videos of people for whom it got better.
Growing up in a traditional home made it difficult for Janet Mock to feel comfortable in her own skin. But when she came out as a trans girl in "Marie Claire," she started a trend of acceptance in her own life.
Growing up gay isn't easy. Growing up gay in Omaha, Nebraska, in the '80s is a whole other story. Andrew Rannells shares his story about finding his voice, and himself, in the theater.
At 16, he realized he was different. But it wasn't until 18 years later that he finally found the courage to come out. Meet athlete and role model Jason Collins, a 16-year veteran of the NBA and destroyer of stereotypes.
You might know her best for her role on Glee, but Jane Lynch wasn't always about song and dance. Jane shares what it was like growing up with an "affliction", and how New York's piano-bar scene changed her life.
Rosie O'Donnell made a career out of making us laugh. But her past heartbreaks are no laughing matter. Hear how losing her mother and becoming a mother herself inspired her to advocate for gay parents everywhere.
She believed she was a girl, but everyone said she was a boy. Laverne Cox from Orange Is The New Black talks about being bullied, accepting her true self and proudly fulfilling her third-grade teacher's prediction.
It wasn't until RuPaul fled his hometown for the bright lights of New York that he was able to find his tribe, and find himself. Featuring: RuPaul Directed By: Heather Ross Executive Producers: Dan Bucatinsky Lisa Kudrow Brian Pines Dan Savage SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/111mpM6 About L/Studio Presents: L/Studio - created by Lexus - is an eclectic collection of unique perspectives meant to inspire you.
With a stutter and a bookworm demeanor, Project Runway's Tim Gunn was a magnet for bullies. Here, Tim exposes his difficult childhood and how one man helped him get through the darkest time of his life.
Portia de Rossi battled losing her father, bulimia, and a Hollywood perfection complex before she made it out of her twenties. Featuring: Portia de Rossi Directed By: Heather Ross Executive Producers: Dan Bucatinsky Lisa Kudrow Brian Pines Dan Savage SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/111mpM6 About L/Studio Presents: L/Studio - created by Lexus - is an eclectic collection of unique perspectives meant to inspire you.
Sara Quin grew up hiding a big secret. Little did she know, her twin sister was hiding the same one. Pop musicians Tegan and Sara share their story about growing up gay.
It would be easy for Nate Berkus to feel like he was on the losing side of life. He lost his partner in a tragic turn of fate. It wasn't until he found love again that he was able to accept himself & reconcile his past.
From a happy home, to a Japanese internment camp, to skid row, nothing could stop George Takei from making it in Hollywood. Not even extreme prejudice. Watch as one of the most outspoken gay actors shares his story.