March 01, 2012
‘It Gets Better’ project creator coming to campus
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Millions of people have been touched by his message, even if they don’t know its origin.
Dan Savage, originator of the “It Gets Better” video project, and also the author of syndicated advice column, “Savage Love,” comes to Southern Illinois University Carbondale for a lecture, question and answer period, and book signing. The event begins at 7 p.m. on March 5 in the Student Center Ballrooms.
Media Advisory
Dan Savage, creator of the “It Gets Better” Project, and author of the syndicated “Savage Love” column, will be available to members of the media at 6:30 p.m. on March 5, before his “It Gets Better” lecture and question and answer period. Contact Brock Navarro to make arrangements: navarro@siu.edu or 618/453-1828.
The “It Gets Better” project began in September 2010 as a way to encourage young lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people, who often face bullying from peers and even from parents and role models, that there is life after the teen years -- that “it” does, in fact, get better. The project also served to help these young people find a community, and to know that they are not alone.
“It Gets Better” video messages, including new ones being submitted daily, are available at www.itgetsbetter.org. The grassroots video project is an award-winner. Most recently, Savage won a Webby Special Achievement Award from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and was honored by “Out” magazine and by “O, The Oprah Magazine.”
Savage is also the author of “It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying and Creating a Life Worth Living.” He is editor of the online publication, “The Stranger.”
Sponsors for Dan Savage’s appearance are: University College, Saluki First Year, University Honors Program, New Student Programs, University Housing-Residence Life, GLBT Resource Center, Student Recreational Center, Student Life and Intercultural Relations, and the Inter-Greek Council.