Secretary Sebelius Speaks Out About Bullying: 'It Gets Better'

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last week released a video message from Secretary Kathleen Sebelius telling lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth suffering from bullying and intolerance that they are not alone, and that it will get better.

The Secretary’s message is in response to the recent news of young people taking their own lives after being victims of bullying because they were gay or believed to be gay.

As Secretary Sebelius says in her video message, “Don’t let the bullies win and don’t let them cut your future short. We need you and your talents, and whether you feel it or not, lots of people do care about you. I promise you, it gets better. Today may seem dark.  But tomorrow will be brighter. And so will the day after that. ... And the day after that. So be strong, be safe, and know that you are loved and supported.”

Resources for adults and children about bullying and how to stop it can be found at: http://www.BullyingInfo.org and http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids

Secretary Sebelius’ message will appear as part of the “It Gets Better Project,” a viral campaign featuring thousands of video messages intended to help LGBT teenagers who are victims of bullying. Their website is: http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com

Secretary Sebelius’ video message can be found on HHS’ YouTube page here: http://Youtu.be/yXc-tc97XXA

Reposted from http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/10/20101028b.html. Read more about how youth workers can better serve LGBT youth in "Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth With Open Arms," an issue of NCFY's e-magazine for youth workers, The Exchange.