What LGBTQ+ Youth Actually Need With Brian Wenke

It Gets Better's mission is to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe.

It Gets Better is an Emmy Award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. Founded in 2010 in response to a series of tragic suicides among LGBTQ+ teens, the organization began as a single YouTube video with a simple message that no matter how painful today feels, it can get better. That message sparked one of the largest storytelling movements in digital history. Since then, more than 70,000 stories have been shared worldwide, creating a global narrative of lived experiences that help young people feel less alone. Today, It Gets Better reaches more than 600,000 youth annually through digital media, educational programming, and community-based initiatives. The organization’s work spans three core areas: storytelling that builds hope and visibility, education programs that bring affirming resources into schools and youth-serving spaces, and a global affiliate network that strengthens local LGBTQ+ communities abroad. Together, these efforts help young people build confidence, develop a positive sense of self, and navigate challenges before they reach a point of crisis. It Gets Better’s goals are grounded in a theory of change that uses storytelling and accessible digital tools to reduce isolation, strengthen coping skills, and improve mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth. By pairing identity-affirming content with practical, youth-centered resources, the organization helps young people feel seen, supported, and equipped to navigate stress and adversity. Success is defined by increased engagement with supportive tools, stronger coping behaviors, and improved self-reported feelings of belonging and resilience. In 2026, It Gets Better is focused on deepening the impact of its core programs. The imi (“eye-me” or “I’m Me”) platform serves as the organization’s primary digital mental health intervention, with a focus on increasing meaningful engagement and strengthening its ability to deliver timely, relevant support. It Gets Better: Changemakers funds youth-led initiatives that improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ young people in communities nationwide, while Youth Voices develops young leaders who contribute to peer support and public sentiment through storytelling. Across all programs, the priority is sustained engagement that leads to measurable shifts in well-being.