Thu 21 Oct 2010 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
A web campaign against gay bullying has gone viral, attracting millions of views and hundreds of follow-up videos. The "It Gets Better" campaign began last month when a gay couple from Seattle posted a video online to tell GLBT youth that although life may be hard now, things do get easier. Leading up to the anti-bullying Wear Purple Day or Spirit Day, which was today in the US and yesterday in New Zealand, It Gets Better has received more than 11 million hits. There have been follow-up videos from all over the world, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton providing one of the most recent additions. "These most recent deaths are a reminder that all Americans have to work harder to overcome bigotry and hatred," Clinton said in a video posted following a string of suicides by young people bullied because of their sexuality. "I have a message for all the young people out there who are being bullied, or who feel alone and find it hard to imagine a better future: First of all, hang in there and ask for help," the top American diplomat said, adding: "Your life is so important" One video, featuring young Texas councilman Joel Burns emotionally addressing local assembly, has become incredibly popular. "To those who feel very alone, things will get better," he said in the video that has so far attracted 1.8 million views. "The attitude of society will change." Watch Hillary Clinton's video below:
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 21st October 2010 - 4:03pm