The It Gets Better Project, created by sex columnist and activist Dan Savage, is a video campaign response to the rash of gay teen suicides across the country. Comprised of many moving testimonials, the series was initiated as a way to reach out to isolated teens all over the world, spread words of solidarity and support, and pass on the message that life does get better. Etsy Admin, gay and straight, wanted to share stories of their teen years and let anyone who may be struggling with these issues know that you are not alone. We need you to stick around to make the next generation one of tolerance and support.
Read our recent Dare to be Different blog post about the It Gets Better Project and what the Queer Etsy Team is doing to show their support.
210 comments
Sign in to add your ownMegansMenagerie says:
This is something that really does need to be addressed! Great post!!!
1 year ago
SimplyInvitingCards says:
Thank you for bringing this to the forefront!
1 year ago
finethreadz says:
Love this! Awareness is the key! Thank you.
1 year ago
Earleyimages says:
thanks for the info
1 year ago
JudiPaintedit says:
WOW... Bravo!!!! Im not gay, but my Father was. Being a teen in the 80's when AIDS first came out and having a gay father was just down right hard being in Jr. High. Kids are so cruel. I lost some friends and got in fights all to defend my Dad who was slowly dying. Extremely rough back then. Very happy that we have come a long way with acceptance and understanding. Thank you for this article!!!!! xoxoxo to who's idea it was!!
1 year ago
ecoblingcouture says:
Dan Savage LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM! This is wonderful and as MegansMenagerie says Yes it needs to be address!
1 year ago
choisette says:
being different is hard.
1 year ago
kgeeme says:
HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE!
1 year ago
paperdesigner says:
Thank you for this article,thanks for your sharing.
1 year ago
NaturalPetProducts says:
Great video & awareness, there is no such thing as normal. I always laugh when people talk about dysfunctional families. Well mine put the FUN in dysfunctional, lol. TY, great job!
1 year ago
acertainworld says:
This is beautiful, guys - I love it. I was totally tearing up.
1 year ago
Blushie says:
This is wonderful! Thank you Etsy for standing up and addressing the issue!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
It's definitely getting better but it's such an embarrassingly slow process of acceptance. Bravo Dan Savage.
1 year ago
ommieohmy says:
i got goosebumps watching this! thanks for heading this project, morgan and thanks to all who shared their stories!
1 year ago
JarosDesigns says:
So awesome!
1 year ago
crystalworld says:
Thank you Etsy for standing up and addressing the issue!
1 year ago
sproutonline says:
Wonderful article.
1 year ago
mcfunley says:
Great work
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Yes! So glad to see Etsy address this most important issue!
1 year ago
PoleStar says:
Love this and really love the stories behind the admin. It is amazing how these issues that fill your teenage years and threaten to swallow you whole turn out to be so small later in life, in looking at the grand scheme.
1 year ago
winenutnyc says:
Great piece. thank you.
1 year ago
FOYI says:
Though I'm not gay I have been bullied as a child and know how hurtful it is first hand. Thank you for this article, very touching.
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
such an important topic to be open and understanding about.
1 year ago
anda says:
Great job...I love you guys and I love this.
1 year ago
mudpuppy says:
So wonderful and important as vintageEye said. I am proud to be a part of such a great and loving community setting the standard for what it means to be human and successful in business and in life. Etsy and individuality rules.
1 year ago
RileyRants says:
Nice to see this. Thanks for putting it out there.
1 year ago
mermaidclaire says:
Great work, thank you!
1 year ago
catrocks says:
Lovely...really lovely. Thank you!!!
1 year ago
GreenGardenStamps says:
Thank you, thank you, thank you Etsy!!!
1 year ago
BlkSheepProductions says:
Thank you so much! Validation of pain and struggle is the only way we're gonna let go and get through to something better! (And like the campaign claims -- it DOES get better) Very impressed with the Etsy communities -- thank you.
1 year ago
islandglass1 says:
Life will get better, it just takes time
1 year ago
RainyPenguinVintage says:
This is wonderful! Thanks so much for making this video!
1 year ago
slipstreamblue says:
So proud to be a member of the Etsy community right now. Thank you!
1 year ago
projectmattnyc says:
LOVE IT!
1 year ago
BenefitJewels says:
Wow, this is such a great campaign about such an important issue. Glad to see people doing everything they can to help others and make the world a better place.
1 year ago
Faeriedtreasures says:
That was fabulous. I think the more people make these videos and share their stories, the more kids and teens of all types who are being picked on for whatever reason, they're going to realize that if ALL THESE PEOPLE made it, then they can too. Thank you for making this video. I shared it with my little sisters, and I know both of them really needed to see and hear the message within it. :)
1 year ago
vintageandretroshoes says:
Love!
1 year ago
babybonesclothing says:
An Aussie amongst the mix also! Woo! Great vid guys. I enjoyed watching. :-)
1 year ago
EnglishShop says:
Very moved! Great piece ...
1 year ago
PoshPads says:
Beautifully said!!! People grow and learn and what a wonderful message....it does get better. You will be stronger, kinder and wiser ~ {{Hugs}} to my Esty community!
1 year ago
nocarnations says:
I love being a part of Etsy, this is what it is all about, the people, their creativity and reaching out to others. A great Holiday feeling...thanks for that!
1 year ago
earthmaven says:
Well done! Add my voice to the message...it really does get better. So very much better.
1 year ago
JonathonWayneDesign says:
Thanks for this ETSY.
1 year ago
elizabethwrenvintage says:
Thank you for sharing this with so many people- it is very important and we must spread the word to make things better!
1 year ago
marybeadz says:
Wonderful thanks for putting this out there!
1 year ago
firewoodfurniture says:
Thank you so much for doing this video! It means so much. It made us cry and LOVE Etsy even more than we already do.Didn't know that was possible :) What a beautiful community here!
1 year ago
jewelrybynorth says:
Thank you Etsy for supporting It Gets Better!!! We are happy that our store is part of an organization of inclusion and acceptance...we have created a piece as a fund raiser for The Trevor Project and invite everyone to take a look - it is called "You Have The Right To Be Yourself" - $5 from the purchase of each piece will be donated.
1 year ago
tasticlife says:
What a great message! Thanks Etsy!
1 year ago
LuttrellStudio says:
Awesome! I'm proud to be part of this great community! Sharing this right away!
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
i think this is so powerful ...and the boat is so cool too!!
1 year ago
FiligreeCreations says:
Great theme addressed! Always when I see lots of those important themes coming up I feel how the world is changing towards something more peaceful, aware and friendly and I'm so glad about that!
1 year ago
needleyou says:
That was great. & it's so true; it does get better.....way better after H.S. Thank God!!!
1 year ago
Nikifashion says:
This is awesome!
1 year ago
SewnNatural says:
Fabulous work - thank you.
1 year ago
NotYourGrandmasAttic says:
How great and how true.
1 year ago
bluehourdesigns says:
I love that Etsy posted this. This issue just brings tears to my eyes every time. I have many gay friends and relatives whose experiences sound so similar to the stories my parents tell me of growing up Mexican American in the 50s and 60s. This is such an important message that includes everyone who does not fit the 'normal' mold.
1 year ago
AmericanGirlinEurope says:
thanks ;-)
1 year ago
anee says:
Thank you Morgan and all. I'm very proud of you. This is really amazing. And you know what? It DOES get better! :-) <3
1 year ago
ModernMode says:
From the bottom of my heart, thank you Etsy! This is an issue I feel incredibly strongly about for a number of reasons. Each year is more amazing than the last, and I am incredibly proud to be far from normal and a part of a community which also embraces all the things which make us fascinating and rich. Thanks again, Etsy! :)
1 year ago
sherrytruitt says:
You all just made my day. Peace for your journey, and thank you. xoSherry
1 year ago
KikiLaRu says:
thank you for this.
1 year ago
anwallette says:
It's FANTASTIC that this is finally being addressed! This really hit home because I saw what my younger sister went through 4 years when she came out to the family as well as one of my best guy friends when he dealt with coming out in a very very conservative university. Thank you for posting this!
1 year ago
GeeZees says:
It definitely does get better...thank you for posting this...so proud to be a member of Etsy right now :) xoxo
1 year ago
ClaudiaLord says:
Very nice!
1 year ago
auntjanecan says:
This is a great article and I support gays and lesbians!
1 year ago
GlitzGlitter says:
That was wonderful! I'm proud of you, Etsy!
1 year ago
TinfenaStudio says:
etsy, if you remove the nasty post i am referring to, it makes no sense...
1 year ago
whatnomints says:
Truly amazing video - Thanks so much for putting this together Etsy - I know it sounds cliche, but the things that make us quirky and individual is really what makes us beautiful :)
1 year ago
VeyCourtCottage says:
Great story, so important for people to be able to discuss and not judge.
1 year ago
efratdeutsch says:
I love this post and support the campaign. You all did a great job with this video!
1 year ago
TheDapperLlama says:
so proud to be an etsy seller/member. what a lovely community. <3
1 year ago
CositasSeriasVintage says:
Wonderful!
1 year ago
loosewire says:
Thank you all! Wonderful and heart warming. :) It does get better. Somehow, with increasing age, embracing differences seems to increase wisdom.
1 year ago
UnadillaWoodworks says:
it does get better....
1 year ago
SiriusFun says:
How very nice of you to do this video and support such a worthy cause! Well done! The teen years are so very difficult for both gay and straight people that everyone needs to hear that the situations which are overwhelming then can be resolved successfully later in life!
1 year ago
FlanneryCrane says:
An excellent video! Thank you for sharing your experience and I am certain it will help many!
1 year ago
kristincoffin says:
PURPLE PETAL--how incredibly heartbreaking. Great example of intolerance. If anything, Etsy, I'm sure you'll GAIN many more members after this beautiful article. Thank you for joining in the campaign, and not being afraid to be vocal when so many other companies try to avoid uncomfortable topics. I am absolutely, 100% proud to be a member. Oh, and did I mention that I derive at least a quarter of my engagement ring sales from gay/lesbian couples? It's a beautiful thing. Thank you Etsy, and thank you to my creative, individual, and varied Etsy community!
1 year ago
SatinandBirch says:
Bravo.
1 year ago
watchergot says:
I'm straight, and don't understand homosexual attraction. As well, as a Bible student, there are a number of references strongly discouraging it. However, the pain some of you folks had to go through spoke to me as well. Sounds as if it can be a rough road. So I suppose to cut to the chase, gay or straight, the pursuit of happiness is a age old quest, and we all have to search for the true path with a honest heart and work. If thats the route you wish to go, although I disagree with your choice,(and perhaps you've adapted not to be bothered what I think), you still have my respect.
1 year ago
HulaGirl1922 says:
we live... we love.... we learn..... and we make this journey but once...let's make the best of it :) Best wishes to all ♥
1 year ago
Evajune says:
Amazing! We need more caring and compassionate people like you.
1 year ago
metalicious says:
So many beautiful stories from such beautiful human beings. Thank you Etsy for embracing everyone and encouraging us to be exactly who we are.
1 year ago
heysaylor says:
Thank you for doing this!
1 year ago
TallyLocke says:
THANK YOU DAN SAVAGE!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
go etsy. when i was much younger, a teen, a gorgeous creature with silver tinsel hair and big eyelashes befriended me on a visit to new york by myself. she (or he) gave me a walking tour of greenwich village and the history of gay rights that ended at stonewall and the story of the riots and the birth of gay rights. after that s/he took me to his favorite neighborhood haunts including some drag bars. they didn't bother with the i.d. i was never a homophobe, but i lived in ignorance and indifference before that. this person for whatever reason shared her/his world with me. her/his elucidation and compassion for my youth and ignorance changed me. small acts like that and big things like this etsy video create huge shifts. thank you.
1 year ago
bombshellstudios says:
Touching video!
1 year ago
theeye says:
*standing O*
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
Thank you so much for bringing the It Gets Better Project to the forefront Etsy. Much love to all of our Etsy friends this holiday season and big bright wishes for a better world tomorrow, free of billying and bigotry. xoxo And Mclovebuddy, your story is so cool :) Like an angel.
1 year ago
thestapeliacompany says:
I'm glad to know I'm involved in a caring and loving community here at Etsy. Thank you. I love it here! :)
1 year ago
salvageshop says:
xoxo
1 year ago
aburfield says:
Bravo! Thanks for sending such a great message. I concur...it is a great community here.
1 year ago
bernsweeney says:
So incredibly proud to work at Etsy. Great job friends!
1 year ago
CanCreate says:
Present day American is different now then when I was growing up, I to was an outcast, a loner. Spent my younger days memorizing books and movies, going to school and not wanting the shades to be pulled down in the classroom so that kids were blinded by the sun and couldn't look at me to tease me. being slammed into lockers or having your artwork spit upon in the cafeteria. that was my childhood, Now children and young adults have diversity clubs in schools being different is becoming more mainstream and suicides are far in few between because of the efforts of caring people that are now speaking out against cruelty to humanity. Thanks for posting ETSY
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
This is wonderful! Thank you for posting this! I was bullied non-stop from day one of school (with it reaching it's worst in junior high) so I know all too well what it's like. It does get better. That is truly a message of hope.
1 year ago
loopyboopy says:
This is wonderful, makes me very proud to be part of the Etsy community indeed!
1 year ago
AmyCanSew says:
This was beautiful! And so true! "Individuality is the currency" I love that! I am a Girl Scout leader and I try constantly to teach the girls to love themselves for who they are. It’s a tool every teen should have in their arsenal.
1 year ago
busterandboo says:
It does get better. As I tell my teenage sons.
1 year ago
TCaponePhoto says:
This is so wonderful... it made me tear up. Thank you very much for posting this :)
1 year ago
queenofqueens says:
Hey hooray! Thank you etsy for having the courage and compassion to keep the spotlight on this issue. And thank you for your ongoing support of the Queer Team's efforts. Much love to you all and best wishes for the happiest of Holidays!
1 year ago
knitfitt says:
Thank you for making this video. The people who spoke were just lovely. I was born in 1945 and the changes in my lifetime have been amazing. I am so happy to be alive now. One thing I appreciate so much about Etsy is the very human connection I can have with the makers and other sellers. Thank you.
1 year ago
arielle22 says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
bananastrudel says:
Etsy, thank you kindly, for a simple yet powerful message.
1 year ago
luckylife says:
Such an amazing campaign and so happy to see the wonderful etsy team's video. Such brave souls, all of you, and happy to show my support in any way I can. xo Melissa
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Thanks for sharing and bringing this message to us!
1 year ago
Emmamaha says:
This is good. Nice job!
1 year ago
Schmutzerland says:
Etsy continues to bring me new forms of happiness everyday, this was so touching and wonderful. What a great powerful message.
1 year ago
enishmarati says:
Dan Savage is an awful man, but the hope that his project and people like you inspire is priceless. It doesn't get better. WE get better as a society. It's not just about bullied kids sticking around- it's also about US making sure we all do our part to make the world they grow up in safer, better, and more accepting for those who aren't lucky enough to be in that environment already. Thanks so much for sharing!
1 year ago
saturndesigns says:
Thank you. Where was this message when I was growing up a million years ago. Thank you. Thank you.
1 year ago
duffybear says:
Another message I would add to the "It Gets Better" campaign is this: try not to conform just because it seems easier. Don't pretend you're straight if you're not. Don't go to law school because that's what your parents want you to do. You sacrifice your very heart and soul when you pretend to be someone you're not. To the best of your abilities, find out who you are and go with it.
1 year ago
JennTRC says:
this is fantastic etsy admins!
1 year ago
WoodlandCottage says:
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Hang in there, folks--the winds of change are blowing. Blowing strong. Hang tight. Hang tight. Hang tight.
1 year ago
localevintage says:
Besides having a store on Etsy, I also teach high school. Our school runs the It Gets Better Ads on the school news station. I really admire this movement and hope it does help teens. I have worked with teens that have struggled to stay strong when others judge them. Its a tough world out there for those kids. We have to set the best example and show them that acceptance of differences is the best way to be. If you know a teen that is facing problems from their peers based on their differences from them, let them know you are there for them and that you love them. It can make a big difference.
1 year ago
mygoodness says:
it does get better, I've heard from my son.... but it's still gotta get a lot better when you are still a young guy, like 23. hope is hope is hope.
1 year ago
cmjolley says:
THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS!
1 year ago
GaroniousPug says:
tears
1 year ago
bayousalvage says:
it does get better- albeit sometimes two steps forward, one step back. plunge yourself into being creative. before you know it the world will change along with your attitude. cant believe DADT is being repealed- finally feel the world is turning a more accepting, welcoming,corner for all its people.
1 year ago
UneBelleVie says:
This is a wonderful article/video... and actually just what I needed this evening. Being so different from everyone around you, as well as rejecting their expectations of you, is so difficult. I've always struggled with being "different," there always being something "wrong" with me so that I don't fit in with any group. I know, though, that someday these may be the very characteristics that help me achieve a better quality of life for myself and my family. Thank you so much!
1 year ago
PyesMom says:
How can so many people hate so few ... and then blame it on their religion. Thank you, Etsy, for having common sense and courage. I'm glad to see comments here that have some, too.
1 year ago
SkyBox says:
YESSSSS! Undying love for Etsy now. Freaking sweet, people. Thank you.
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
Ditto the positive comments about etsy...bullying can happen even to an older person in the workplace...that's why I am thankful to etsy!
1 year ago
amarilo says:
Thank you etsy! This is such a creative and heartwarming way to address this! My brother was gay, and was always bullied, so he didn't come out until after college. When he did, my mom refused to accept it and it hurt him so much, but now three years later she's opening up. Change comes with time, but awareness articles like these really help people open their eyes! Thank you :)
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I agree bullying can happen at any stage of our lives and its good to make a stand!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Lovely Etsy, thank you. Just thank you.
1 year ago
TrailerGypsy says:
Amazing!
1 year ago
mariearnoux says:
"Ceux qui vivent ce sont ceux qui luttent" (Victor Hugo) "Those who are living are those who are fighting" (sorry for the english, but Bravo for the idea)
1 year ago
ikabags says:
This is wonderful! Thanks so much !
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Amazing ! Thank you Etsy for standing up and addressing the issue!
1 year ago
heidiadnum says:
Great to hear about this project. Thank you.
1 year ago
RedChair says:
Hooray, Etsy! Gay, straight, whatever -- life gets a million times better when you're out of your teenage years and you can be who you are. Thank you for making me even prouder to be part of this community!
1 year ago
AugustTwo says:
Bravo to Etsy for making and posting this video. This is what the Etsy community is all about... the support and inclusion of many different walks of life, all coming together in one big family of artists.
1 year ago
lilfishstudios says:
Beautifully done. Acceptance, self or otherwise, is a universal theme and this is a terrific ode to that. Thank you for sharing it.
1 year ago
artlandish says:
RAISE THE PRAISE!!!! ...to Etsy Admin. for addressing this issue - thank you SO much! It's our differences that make our world unique - ever see a bully stand alone? Uniques unite!!! We can turn the tide!!
1 year ago
DesiCloe says:
Great project! I'm happy to see Etsy bringing such an argument in the foreground. We all hope in a better tomorrow!
1 year ago
dharma8designs says:
I am so proud of etsy!
1 year ago
Alfonzi says:
I am so proud to work at Etsy and embrace difference and 'weirdness'and artistry and everything that comes with being a human being! Thanks to all who shared their stories to let teens know it does get better!
1 year ago
laralewis says:
Well done! This is an amazing video!
1 year ago
pansgrl says:
Gay or Straight, who cares! The bullying has to stop, and we have to help bring this end about. I have friends who are gay, bi, and straight and all of them have been nullied at one point or another. We need to encourage people to be who they are and accept and love them despite differences.
1 year ago
happykathy says:
Wonderful! I have always said middle school is the worst place to send a kid to, if my children are having problems in middle school I will bring them home and let them learn in an environment free from bullying. Those years pass by and life gets so much better! Thank you to all those who shared their message!
1 year ago
JulieAnnLopez says:
Thank you!
1 year ago
jjandedt says:
Our Children are our Future... I am so glad this was addressed... Bullying in School is a major Problem, I have a 17 year old, that isn't gay, but Bi-Racial...
1 year ago
BizzieLizzie says:
Zero tolerance for bullying - of any nature!
1 year ago
enhabiten says:
wonderful! thanks for doing this.
1 year ago
glasfaden says:
If each of us does our tiny part to make it better, it does get better in the big world. I'm proud of you, Etsy! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
NottyPooch says:
This clip is so wonderful! And not to mention the cause behind. Am gonna share it on my fb!
1 year ago
prettypipers says:
This made me cry! I hope that my little girl grows up in a world where differences are celebrated and I hope that she feels free to be whoever or whatever she wants to be without persecution. And as a proud military family, we celebrate the fact that DADT was repealed. A stain on this country has been lifted! and as I'm writing this President Obama has just signed the repeal! Whoo hoo!
1 year ago
KathysDesignsLLC says:
A great message for teens in just dealing with this point in time whether you are gay or not!
1 year ago
MadeMary says:
Thank you! I hope this video and the other "It gets better" videos reach a huge audience, especially (as others have said) young people. Bravo!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
It's diversity & individuality that we're celebrating, not simply gayness. Being gay is one thing that can make people (esp. teens) feel like outcasts & we all have to do what we can to make sure that EVERYONE feels valued as part of our community, regardless of race, colour, religion or sexuality. The differences don't just make life more beautiful, they also make the mass of people you have to deal with a lot more interesting... so I practice tolerance as much for myself as for anyone else! :-)
1 year ago
hoakonhelga says:
Truly beautiful. Thank-you for sharing :)
1 year ago
zelmarose says:
As someone who works with teens, thank you! It is so very important for us adults to share our stories of self-discovery and perseverence of all kinds with younger folks. It is the proof that while life does't get easier, it does get better. And as we age we find ways to be grounded in our wonderful selves.
1 year ago
lalalandArt says:
Beautiful video! We are happy to see Etsy spread these kind of messages. We hope that 2011 will be more sensitive and open minded about these topics!
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
Always grateful for the beautiful that artists can find in ALL people-race, gender, class, abilities---we are all people! And all beautiful!
1 year ago
purrpower says:
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." Anne Bradstreet I welcome the spring of diversity
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
I don't know who the last man who spoke is...but he said it all. Once we are adults...individuality IS the commodity. I used to sing the Beatles song to my son when he was in school: "It's getting better all the time." I love all the differences about Etsy. I've landed on the creativity planet with "my people". xo
1 year ago
bmjnyc says:
Kudos to Etsy and especially to the brave staff who spoke so openly. Thank you for leading by example, it inspires and reinforces that none of us are alone. How about a gay weddings section on Etsy?
1 year ago
HelenesDreams says:
What a great post. Thank you for sharing. Wishing all of you much peace, happiness and joy. Striving to make this world better is all we can do. We are so lucky that we live in this time. Its not perfect..but if we focus on whats good and positive..it has gotten better. Like I always say "Dream a little dream and make it come true!"
1 year ago
transienttreasures says:
THANK YOU, Etsy for stepping up to the plate, sts. These two related quotes come to mind. "This above all: to thine own self be true..." William Shakespeare “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.†Eleanor Roosevelt Repeat mantra style, as needed, in defense against this judgmental world.
1 year ago
bloomerie says:
"Individuality is the currency." {Love that!} May we all find the confidence to be our true selves, as well as the encouragement and confidence to allow others to be their true selves. Imagine the world we'd thrive in... Happy holidays to all!
1 year ago
Glamour365 says:
Thank you for this!!! I have several gay friends who have been mistreated and completely disowned by their family and their community! They need our support more now than ever!!!
1 year ago
overthemeadow says:
Fantastic article. Thank you Etsy! Peace and love to all.
1 year ago
shabbyvintagemom says:
Wonderful Post! It really does get better. Hopefully someone who needs to know that sees this video~ very inspiring :)
1 year ago
hopee says:
I LOVE THIS! Thank you so much for this post and ones like it. So gonna share this :D
1 year ago
overthemeadow says:
"You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~Christopher Robin to Pooh
1 year ago
jadedgoats says:
I was deeply moved by your post for two reasons. First, my 16-year-old son, who was bullied and ostracized by his classmates, committed suicide almost twenty years ago. I miss him every day still, and wish my influence had somehow been enough to convince him to stick around for better days. Second, I was a middle school counselor for many years, and I worked diligently to change a culture that allows bullying and intolerance. I am happy to say none of my students committed suicide, and a few told me I saved their lives. We can each make a difference; thanks for speaking out.
1 year ago
jadedgoats says:
I was deeply moved by this post. Thank you for being part of the solution. I lost my 16-year-old son to suicide, and while that's been almost 20 years ago, I miss him every day and wish I could have helped him hold on for better days. In addition, my many years as a middle school counselor put me on the front lines of suicide prevention. More than once I heard "You saved my life" and those words kept me going after Jason's death. Thanks for raising awareness. Imagine a country without bullying!
1 year ago
hopee says:
runs on over and HUGS jadedgoats
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
High fives to Etsy~! Very inspiring post~ I'm so happy to be apart of this community. Thanks for having us.....
1 year ago
OhFaro says:
Thank you, Etsy! I am always touched when you bring such issues to the community in an open and loving way. This is a great post and one I intend to share. We can only hope that hatred will come to an end and we will no longer have to say it will get better, it will just be. (((jadedgoats)))
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Inspiring. In a world where mass media exerts a strong influence on defining the norm and our culture (in school, life, work, etc), pursuing happiness in your own terms in noble indeed.
1 year ago
aynart says:
Happy to see Etsy participating in the "It Gets Better Project" !!!
1 year ago
moop says:
yay! so glad to see Etsy's contribution to the incredibly powerful It Get's Better Project!!
1 year ago
ZakkaAroundTheWorld says:
I love the IT GETS BETTER item ... so cute
1 year ago
JaniceCordeiro says:
The changes are slow but they are coming. If we teach our children tolerance and the love of all human beings it will get better. I am proud to say I have 3 adult, totally non- prejudiced sons.
1 year ago
theroyal says:
i am glad to be exposed to a very important project. i am always glad to see etsy involved in efforts like this.
1 year ago
CheltenhamRoad says:
That was just wonderful - thank you so much for doing that video and sharing it. And the comments on this page make me even happier. You are all to be commended. I'm loving being a part of this community.
1 year ago
greeniebeanrecycle says:
So beautiful. Thank you, Etsy!
1 year ago
minouette says:
I'm glad to see Etsy taking part in this project. Kudos to you.
1 year ago
lucysnowephotography says:
Amazing....thanks for bringing this to the etsy community! :)
1 year ago
weirdwolf says:
I'm so thrilled that we're a part of this important campaign. It does get better, thank goodness!
1 year ago
Vanessa says:
As someone who comes from a family where different relatives have very different beliefs, I've found it really strengthening to know that love and support can transcend religious differences. We know that we're not all the same and that's ok, as long as we treat each other with love and respect.
1 year ago
dailyportrait says:
Etsy, I'm proud of you. It is so good to see the video and read some of the hopeful comments here. Thank you.
1 year ago
swallowfield says:
this made me cry in the best way. i loved it, thank you etsy!
1 year ago
SoniaHeartsHoops says:
It is such an honor to be a part of this community. I love working at Etsy :) Thank you Morgan for getting this off the ground! The video is awesome!
1 year ago
mihermanayyo says:
Bravo Etsy!!
1 year ago
kenlittle says:
wonderful post.
1 year ago
Prittyfy says:
Great article. Thank you.
1 year ago
OneClayBead says:
I love this movement and know that gay teens benefit from the support.
1 year ago
lovebean says:
thanks, etsy :)
1 year ago
CreativeMoves says:
This is so very lovely! Thanks, etsy!
1 year ago
CreativeMoves says:
So very lovely! Thank you for sharing your stories!
1 year ago
Waterrose says:
The norm is no norm.....and who defines it anyway... Love hearing from each of you and your thoughts...
1 year ago
EarthGrrrlCrafts says:
Wow! What wonderul, heartfelt testimonials! Bravo Etsy!
1 year ago
susanwilliamsdesigns says:
This is so awesome! Well done, etsy!
1 year ago
raininggiraffes says:
i heart etsy!
1 year ago
rakshniyavintage says:
That's lovely, thank you Etsy admin for sharing your thoughts and stories :)
1 year ago
mosey says:
yay!
1 year ago
YOURDAILYJEWELS says:
Thank you .
1 year ago
tatimaia says:
That's awesome! I love selling on Etsy because I can be... me! Hugs a lot! \o/
1 year ago
spiritcleanslate says:
Thank you for this post and all you do
1 year ago
BootsNGus says:
As many have said, Thanks so much! B&G =^..^=
1 year ago
tinyearsjewelry says:
very good video... should be played for each kid in HS before they start their day. Casey @ tin years
1 year ago
alexg0218 says:
Beautiful :) Thank you!
1 year ago
sewbeau says:
Wow, so awesome!! I love how the speakers spoke in a way in which, i think, almost everyone can relate to and understand. To me, that's what makes this video really remarkable! It really allows people from all walks of life feel empathy, and hopefully, acceptance.
1 year ago
susanbachtextiles says:
Thanks for doing that video. This is the message that all kids need to hear. I especially liked the last speaker's message - the traits that are made fun of in high school are the same traits that will be searched out and rewarded later.
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
Glad to see that you are keeping this video is still here. Good job.
1 year ago
Artwolf says:
Bullying of any kind,for any reason is very cruel. I was bullied at school as a 7yr old because I wore glasses,(1960's). Even one of the teachers was heard saying I couldnt be the angel in the nativity play because, angels don't wear glasses. That changed me as an innocent child, I refused to sing or go onto stage anymore till the day I left senior school. Nowadays thankfully, glasses, braces, being slightly different from the crowd is being accepted and embraced, long may it rule. Linda:)x
1 year ago
Witchey says:
i'm twelve and was thrown into the world of bullying last year upon entering sixth grade. i had no idea why people didn't accept me. why were they being so mean? they picked on me because i wasnt the exact prototype of normality. the exact person they wanted. they seemed to dislike me because i was good at school, because i was creative and different. all the things i had previously loved about me, they hated about me. it made me question my own self worth. luckily enough, i had my friends, especially the people from my school's writers club, who were in the exact situation as me. they loved me for who i am and still do. i realized the people who i was being judged by were just stupid, jocks scared of who they were and totally closed minded. i learned to love myself, and, as i did, other people did too. now i'm in seventh grade and have a load full of what i call my "beloved freak friends". sometimes, people still call me a freak and judge me because of my weight, intelligence, or love of cute emo boys. to them i just say, you need to know yourself before you judge someone else.
1 year ago
GoSho says:
There needs to be more love and definitely more acceptance in blogs and groups such as this one. The visual and performing arts have always been in the creative realm and therefore a constant in accepting people who "are not in the norm." Everyone needs to belong and feel important in what they do. I come from Massachusetts and we are still realing from the tragedy of the beautiful Pheobe Prince. She looks so much like an artist in her photos. To witchey, stay with your creativity. This year will pass; build friendships with people who are able to support you(one or two will do.) Continue to create, don't let jealous people crush your ideas, ego, or worse shove your creative juices into many dormant years.
1 year ago
ourchildrensearth says:
This is such a great way of getting the word out there that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity. Where I am from we have been working for a year to get anti-discrimination laws passed for the LBGT community in regards to housing and employment. We finally did it last week. What a great feeling that this will help protect some of my best friends and people that I do not even know.
1 year ago
Kawadar says:
Better late than never, but this is a fabulous post. I hope more and more people (especially teenagers) can get a chance to see this. You've probably already saved some precious lives.
325 days ago