In honor of Back to School season, the folks over at the It Gets Better Project have launched a very original campaign aimed at showing that yes, for queer folks, it does get better.
Project Queerbook compares then and now photos of some of the most prominent queer celebs. Folks like Amber Herd, Bobby Berk, Jai Rodriguez, Jake Choi and Shangela have all provided their throwback yearbook photos, along with current shots to illustrate the evolution of adulthood. The project also includes inspirational quotes from its subjects.
Related: ‘Special’ star Ryan O’Connell tells the It Gets Better Project about the joy of coming out
“All the struggles and hardships were just molding me into the strong empathetic successful woman I am today. Without those experiences to build my character I doubt I’d have accomplished a fraction of what I have,” says participant Jillian Michaels.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Shangela shares in that sentiment. “It not only gets better….it gets sick’ning! Halelloo!!”
Founded in 2010 by Dan Savage and Terry Miller, the It Gets Better Project aims to end bullying and suicide of LGBTQ youth by sharing stories of people of all sexual orientations on how life improves with age.
Here are just a few of the ‘before’ photos — can you guess who they are?
Jerry
These are celebs?
Chrisk
Please. You do realize who Frankie Grande is? I mean hello. He’s only like the brother of Ariana Grande.
Sister Bertha Bedderthanyu
Shhhh, Jerry. Think it but don’t say it (and by the way, I asked the same question).
jjose712
Right now everybody can be a celebrity, social media made that possible.
Saying that Bobby Berk and Jake Borelli are in successful shows
ZacharyHernandez1395
These are celebs?….- I can’t agree with you more But i am here not only to discuss this article but I would like to share with you new but really amazing website for gay singles only. It is still private, but you can find it easy. Just google: “yHeUzddbgn6XDzvcpfugu6lu8791717” .
DarkZephyr
Yeah Jerry, you tell ’em. They aren’t even half as famous as you are.
Being on an award winning hit TV show, being in a major award winning blockbuster film, NONE of that can hold a candle to YOUR star power!
Dannyzackery
Being known for someone else brother does not mean you’re a celebrity.
SergioJackson1461
These are celebs?….- I can’t agree with you more But i am here not only to discuss this article but I would like to share with you new but absolutelly brilliant site for gay singles only. It is still private, but you can find it easy. Use the most famous search engine to find it: “mnqjYjUgYRCxlvHxxWLfugu6lu5225692” .
Mack
Dam I must be getting old, I only heard of three of these people.
Jack Meoff
Same here only three rang a bell with me the others are all unknown to me. I guess the real gay celebs were busy.
Kanaka4127
Yep. Ur old.
Bryguyf69
I’m in my 20s and the only person I recognize is that annoying maggot, Jillian Michaels. I think she screams at fat people, or something like that. I may also recognize Frank Grande. Wasn’t he the talentless limelight whore who was famous for a menage-á-trois? My excuse for being clueless is that I’m straight but the more likely reason is that these people simply aren’t famous.
DarkZephyr
Jesus Christ, this community can’t even be nice to its own people. lol
MISTERJETT
my thoughts exactly. so sad!!!!
Jerry
Oh my, thank you. 🙂
michaelmt1009
Its a wonderful organization and I respect them for what they do, but I must admit except for the two guys from Queer Eye I have no idea who any of the other people are. I’ve never even heard their names mentioned on Queerty.
Charlie in Charge
So for the “these are celebs” folks:
Isn’t it very likely that, as this is targeted at very young people, the celebrities chosen will not be people we are familiar with? It doesn’t mean these aren’t folks who are relevant to audience it’s trying to reach.