I'll post some thoughts in the morning. But for now we're going to let the president's contribution to "It Gets Better" Project speak for itself. There's a complete transcriptâsent along by the White Houseâafter the jump for the hearing and/or YouTube impaired.
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Video for the âIt Gets Betterâ ProjectLike all of you, I was shocked and saddened by the deaths of several young people who were bullied and taunted for being gay, and who ultimately took their own lives. As a parent of two daughters, it breaks my heart. Itâs something that just shouldnât happen in this country.
Weâve got to dispel the myth that bullying is just a normal rite of passageâthat itâs some inevitable part of growing up. Itâs not. We have an obligation to ensure that our schools are safe forall of our kids. And to every young person out there you need to know that if youâre in trouble, there are caring adults who can help.
I donât know what itâs like to be picked on for being gay. But I do know what itâs like to grow up feeling that sometimes you donât belong. Itâs tough. And for a lot of kids, the sense of being alone or apartâI know can just wear on you. And when youâre teased or bullied, it can seem like somehow you brought it on yourselfâfor being different, or for not fitting in with everybody else.
But what I want to say is this. You are not alone. You didnât do anything wrong. You didnât do anything to deserve being bullied. And there is a whole world waiting for you, filled with possibilities. There are people out there who love you and care about you just the way you are. And so, if you ever feel like because of bullying, because of what people are saying, that youâre getting down on yourself, youâve got to make sure to reach out to people you trust. Whether itâs your parents, teachers, folks that you know care about you just the way you are. Youâve got to reach out to them, donât feel like youâre in this by yourself.
The other thing you need to know is, things will get better. And more than that, with time youâre going to see that your differences are a source of pride and a source of strength. Youâll look back on the struggles youâve faced with compassion and wisdom. And thatâs not just going to serve you, but it will help you get involved and make this country a better place.
It will mean that youâll be more likely to help fight discriminationânot just against LGBT Americans, but discrimination in all its forms. It means youâll be more likely to understand personally and deeply why itâs so important that as adults we set an example in our own lives and that we treat everybody with respect. That we are able to see the world through other peopleâs eyes and stand in their shoesâthat we never lose sight of what binds us together.
As a nation weâre founded on the belief that all of us are equal and each of us deserves the freedom to pursue our own version of happiness; to make the most of our talents; to speak our minds; to not fit in; most of all, to be true to ourselves. Thatâs the freedom that enriches all of us. Thatâs what America is all about.
And every day, it gets better.