Each summer the LGBT community and allies gather for a book discussion, the Read Out, Speak Out. This year's selection is “It Gets Better”, edited by Dan Savage and his husband, Terry Miller. Wednesday, June 21st at the Iowa City Public Library starting at 7 p.m.
There will be beverages and treats, and there is a no guilt policy: if you have not finished the book, you are still welcome. The Read Out, Speak Out is sponsored by the Lesbian Reading Group and the Rainbow Reading Group.
It gets better : coming out, overcoming bullying, and creating a life worth living
Dan Savage; Terry Miller
New York : Dutton, 2011
338 p.
ISBN: 9780525952336 0525952330
After a number of tragic suicides by LGBT students who were bullied in school, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage uploaded a video to YouTube with his partner Terry Miller to inspire hope for LGBT youth facing harassment. Speaking openly about the bullying they suffered as teenagers, and how they both went on to lead rewarding adult lives, their video launched the It Gets Better Project YouTube channel and initiated a worldwide phenomenon. With over 6,000 videos posted and over 20 million views in the first three months alone, the world has embraced the opportunity to provide personal, honest and heartfelt support for LGBT youth everywhere.
It Gets Better is a collection of expanded essays and new material from celebrities, everyday people and teens who have posted videos of encouragement, as well as new contributors who have yet to post videos to the site. While many of these teens couldn't see a positive future for themselves, we can. We can show LGBT youth the levels of happiness, potential and positivity their lives will reach if they can just get through their teen years. By sharing these stories, It Gets Better reminds teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone - and it WILL get better.
Date : Wednesday, June 1st
Time : 7pm - 8:30pm
Location : Iowa City Public Library
123 S. Linn St.,
Iowa City, IA 52240
