I’ve been annoyed with the whole Trevor Project thing for a few reasons. Mainly, I’m not sure that just saying “it gets better” actually makes it better for the people who need it most. [*Note: What the Trevor Project actually has done through all those annoying videos is raise our awareness of their resources. They have amazing services for people struggling including a 24/7 hotline to call, online chat, and Dear Trevor for less urgent matters. And that's pretty fabulous.]
Thinking back, when I was down in junior high and thought life sucked and people were assholes and there was no hope for me ever being cool, watching a video of successful, older people saying “it gets better” would have just pissed me off. When does it get better? How does it get better? What can I do right now to make it get better?! Godamnit I want answers!! Exhale, compose. It wasn’t until years later, battling similar feelings in college, that I sought out the TOOLS to deal with those low points. A little faith in the future is helpful, yes. But it’s certainly not a remedy for being down in the dumps.
Things will gradually continue to get better over the next three decades. Things have gotten better over the last three decades. And we will continue to mock, criticize, and praise those advances. Here’s your Friday giggle:
http://www.funnyordie.com/lists/1477d66ad4/five-ways-it-gets-better-for-gay-teens
