Life Gets Better

If anyone has been trying to register for the Teen Volume Conference in Chicago using the link I provided the other day — I provided the wrong link. I’ve corrected it, and here it is again if you want to go there now.

A shoutout today to Massachusetts voters! You may or may not be aware that there’s a confusing question on the ballot for the mid-term elections on November 2. (FYI: The deadline for voter registration in Massachusetts is October 13.) I’m talking about Question #2, which regards the repeal of a law called 40B. 40B is Massachusetts’ affordable housing law. It’s not a perfect law, but nonetheless, I think that its repeal would be a terribly mistake. Here’s a blog post that explains why — and my apologies for not explaining it myself. I’m traveling right now and am pressed for time (I know, always an excuse). Please vote no on Question 2!

Also — I’m guessing a lot of you — particularly in the wake of the heartbreaking news about the suicide of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi — have heard of the It’s Get Better video project, but for those of you who haven’t, I want to point it out. Dan Savage started the project to reach out to young LGBTQ people who’re being bullied, to give them evidence that many LGBTQ adults are living good, fulfilling, loving lives. School can be hell, but if you can just hang in there, life does get better. Here’s an interview with Dan Savage in which he explains why he started the project. And here’s a rational and thoughtful post at the Bitter Buffalo that talks about why the project is worthwhile, even though it is, of course, not a “magical cure” for the problems of LGBTQ bullying and teen suicide. If you think it might help you or someone you know who’s young, LGBTQ, and struggling — go look at these videos, read these articles, talk about it.