As an adult, I have become fascinated by the power of the internet as a tool for queer youth to socialize, network, and find support from their peers and community. I recall many times sitting alone in my bedroom crying and extremely depressed, often believing that I was the only gay kid in the world; I didn’t have access to the queer community at all until the age of 17. If only I had support, someone to tell me that I will be ok, that the discrimination and harassment would stop; if only.

 With the inexcusable increase in gay teen suicides, I wanted to let gay teens know it does get better, people do care, and people love you for who you are. The YouTube channel, called the It Gets Better Project (http://www.youtube.com/itgetsbetterproject) a collection of videos from adults in the gay community who share their personal stories of surviving bullying in school and moving on to build successful careers and happy and fulfilling lives.

It is critical for gay teens to understand that there is life after bullying, that the social and cultural climates of their personal lives are temporary and the gay community is visible and available to support them in whatever capacity they can. Adults offering these personal life experiences validate gay teen...