The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley and several White House staffers participate in the It Gets Better Project.
Ed. Note: President Obama, Vice President Biden and Administration officials recorded their own video messages to give support to young people who are being bullied because of their sexual orientation. Visit WhiteHouse.gov/itgetsbetter for more videos and resources.
This week, President Obama signed a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don’t Tell," putting an end to a destructive policy that has forced brave Americans to lie about who they are for the privilege of serving their country. I am proud to be part of an Administration that fights to strengthen the foundation of equality in this country. I am also proud to be one among many openly gay members of the Obama Administration.
In my youth, I could not imagine a future for myself as an openly gay adult. Today, I am the principal environmental advisor to the President of the United States of America. And I am openly gay with supportive family, co-workers and friends.
I want all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth to hear my story, and the story of others like me. Several White House staff and I have recorded a message as part of the It Gets Better Project, a national campaign to provide support to LGBT youth. Our message is this: You are not alone. We have walked down the path you are walking now, and we know how it feels. And we can tell you, it WILL get better.
Resources
If you’re a young person who’s been bullied or harassed by your peers, or you’re a parent or teacher who knows a young person being bullied or harassed, here are a few resources that can help you:
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LBGTQ youth by providing resources and a nationwide, 24 hour hotline. If you are considering suicide or need help, call: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).
BullyingInfo.org
BullyingInfo.org is a project of the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP) focused on providing tools and resources for youth, parents, teachers and mental health providers to prevent and address bullying.
It Gets Better Project
President Obama's video and Vice President Biden’s video are just a couple of the thousands of videos submitted by people across the country to inspire and encourage LGBT youth who are struggling. You can watch more videos at ItGetsBetterProject.com.
For even more information and resources visit or call:
- Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
- Matthew Shepard Foundation
- Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
- National Suicide Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)
Nancy Sutley is Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality
