this book is good for people who has been bullied because of their skin or sexuality or gender or ecthcity and just someone to lift their sprits

Nothing less and everything above a 5-star rating. Inspirational, motivational, with lots of great people involved in it. Anyone and everyone should read this book, no matter their sexuality. I'm very proud to live in a world with people like Dan Savage.

That horrible fall of 2010, when it seemed every day there were reports of a gay kid killing themselves due to intolerance and hostility, noted columnest Dan Savage, like the rest of us, wondered if there was some way we could reach those kids in crisis and offer them some kind of hope. Of course, schools and churches certainly weren't going to let us anywhere near their children. But in the age of the internet, we COULD reach out and there was nothing queasy teachers and intolerant parents could do to stop it. What Dan percieved to be a very humble step on his and his husband's part turned into a global phenomenon. People from all over the world, famous and just everyday people, uploaded videos telling their stories. This book is the companion to the Youtube channel. Not all of the stories are polished, but they are all heartfelt. Unfortunately, the people who really need to read this book (the bullies wearing the masks of family, or political or religious leaders) aren't likely to read. But if it helps one lost and lonely gay kid out there, then it will all be worth it.

A collection of encouraging stories of LGBTQ people who have survived bullying, unsupportive family, and/or self denial to have happy full lives and self-acceptance of their gender identity and sexual orientations. Also includes supportive essays by prominent Americans like President Obama, Hilary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi. Though the writing is uneven - sometimes wonderfully quirky and sometimes just plain bad, the stories are honest expressions of what it feels like to grow up LGBT or Q and what support can mean for teens struggling with who they are and who they want to love. Should be required reading for those parents protesting the anti-homophobia policy for the Burnaby School District.

This a fantastic partner piece to Dan Savage's YouTube initiative of the same name. Each essay offers LGBTQ teens hope for the future, and offers ideas about dealing with bullies and hatred in school. Some of the essayists are very well known (American President Obama), but many are just ordinary adults offering advice and perspective. I think this title is important for teens, but equally important for parents of gay or questioning youth. Some of the cautionary tales may help parents understand how devastating their lack of support can be to their children. If you haven't seen the It Gets Better videos on YouTube, check them out!

An amazing project by Dan Savage and his parnter, Terry Miller. To give hope to gay teens suffering abuse at jr hi, high school, and college. To prevent gay teen suicide. Lots of great voices included in this collection.