It gets better, London

Header image for Interrobang article
By now you have either seen or heard from the It Gets Better Project, spearheaded by syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage in response to the suicides of LGBT youth last year.

The project has taken off and now communities all over the world are echoing the same message, including London.

London's chapter was started by Fanshawe graduate James Wilkinson last November. The campaign quickly gained footing in the city with its Twitter campaign and video launch. The video is currently at 1,500 views and has gained publicity in the London Free Press and various London blogs, said Wilkinson.

The feedback has been positive, and he receives a lot of comments through the Twitter account and has been stopped while out for dinner, he said.

However, he has not heard too much from the LGBT youth in London. His explanation is that the "majority are still hiding." But It Gets Better London's message is to remind these youth that there are people in the community who can help whenever they're ready.

That's the focus of the campaign's second video. The first featured individuals from the LGBT community telling their stories, and the second will feature individuals who support LGBT youth. The video will feature a priest, MPP Deb Matthews and others, said Wilkinson. The aim is to let those in the LGBT community know their city is looking out for them.

"People should feel comfortable in their city," he said.

Another way to help in this goal is to continue sharing stories on the Twitter account, he added.

For more information on Dan Savage's It Gets Better Project, visit www.itgetsbetter.org and to learn about London's campaign, check them out on Twitter at www.twitter.com/itgetsbetterldn.