The 'It Gets Better' Campaign

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Published on Saturday, 15 October 2011 09:31
Written by Olivia Wainwright

Image: Andrew BarryImage: Andrew BarryThe “It Gets Better” Campaign was launched on 11 October in conjunction with UCT’s Pink Week.

The campaign comprises a series of YouTube videos aimed at sexual minorities. The videos include messages from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the captain of the UCT Rugby team and the Deputy Editor of VARSITY newspaper.

The series is aimed at those who, because of their sexual orientation, have felt ignored or stigmatised by society. They aim to convey the message that those who are in this position are not alone, and that there are organisations and people who do support them in their sexuality.

The videos deliver hope to those who feel that they are in a hopeless position. Desmond Tutu says: “If you experience discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, I want you to know that it gets better. There are people and organisations throughout this wonderful land that will support you. We should support one another as an act of true ubuntu.”

The project was first launched in the USA in 2010 after there had been a spate of teen suicides due to bullying. In the USA, the videos were created by inspirational role models such as Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton and Anne Hathaway.

The Cape Town version of “It Gets Better” is available to view on YouTube and will also be screened at the Out in Africa: South African Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.