It Gets Better Goes Down Under
It Gets Better Australia is an official affiliate and supported by the US project. The website will be almost identical to its US parent, but with relevant information for Australian members of the community, with funds raised benefiting Australian non-profits and community groups, including the 24 hour help line, Lifeline.
The US project, which started just over a year ago in September 2010, due to a number of suicides within the same-sex attracted community, includes over 40,000 videos on their own website, but Project Director Jamison Parker has said that he is “looking forward to seeing how the Australian community as a whole takes on this project” and that “the spirit of giving to those in need in Australia is strong and could quite possibly rival the size of the US project”. Parker went onto say that “the message of hope is a key contributing element of the campaign.
With the LGBTIQ community at the core, the issue of bullying and ripple effects it has on a wider community are shown in every day life but are not dealt with how it should be. Bullying is not a right of passage for young people; it’s just wrong”.
Well-known Australian figures and groups already supporting the “It Gets Better Project” by recording videos include Optus and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, but with the launch of “It Gets Better Australia” others such as radio network, Triple J and their friends Missy Higgins, Bluejuice and Kevin Mitchell from Jebediah; Actor, Lynne McGranger; Singer/Songwriter, Katie Underwood and Comedian, Joel Creasey, have all thrown their support behind the project.
It Gets Better Australia already has an active Facebook and Twitter account with launch parties set all around the country; Campaign Launch in Perth (WA) October 28th at Connections Nightclub, “Gay Prom” in Melbourne (VIC) November 25th at DnM Bar & Nightclub, and “CODE” in Newcastle (NSW) December 16th at the King St Hotel, with other launch events to be announced shortly.
For additional information please contact: Jamison Parker, Project Director on 0414 061 245 or Brendan Boyle on 0401 069 208.
