#alaska pride

After hours of learning, workshops, writing, and art-making, our It Gets Better: Changemakers grantee in Alaska, the Aurora Queers (@fbxqc on IG) have now released TWO ZINES specifically to empower other LGBTQ+ youth to share their stories and know they are not alone!

Youth leader Benji said, "There are many ways this work empowers us and our community, but at the core is the ability to share our art. Sharing our art inspires others, amplifies our voices in a world that wants to silence them, lets others like us know about our existence, and above all else; separates our existence from the politicized version of queerness so often misconstrued."

Here's issue #2 in its entirety, below. Find issue #1 here!

And P.S. - If you have an idea for a project like this, we want to help you make it a reality.

Applications for the next round of It Gets Better: Changemakers are open now for projects like this in all U.S. states, D.C., and territories. Apply at itgetsbetter.org/changemakers by May 3rd for a grant of up to $10,000!

keep reading for the rest 👇

Going to my first parade tomorrow... ok not my first first. I went to one when I was 7? I don’t remember exact age. All I remember from that one is drag queens dancing (even a Sharpay Evans one, and young me thought it really was her.), danced with a girl as her two dad’s watched, and listened to a local band play... so yay!!🌈❤️🏳️‍🌈 Now that I know more lgbt+ history, about to be 20, and can understand why this parade is so important I’m soooooo excited. Little nervous too if I’m being honest I’m in new state so I’ll be with around new people. So 🤞🏻 I don’t get shy if people try to talk to me when we wait for the parade. I really want to open up and make friends that are lgbt+.

Happy Pride everyone!!🏳️‍🌈❤️🌈

After hours of learning, workshops, writing, and art-making, our It Gets Better: Changemakers grantee in Alaska, the Aurora Queers (@fbxqc on IG) have now released TWO ZINES specifically to empower other LGBTQ+ youth to share their stories and know they are not alone!

Here's issue #1 in its entirety.

Youth leader Benji said, "There are many ways this work empowers us and our community, but at the core is the ability to share our art. Sharing our art inspires others, amplifies our voices in a world that wants to silence them, lets others like us know about our existence, and above all else; separates our existence from the politicized version of queerness so often misconstrued.  Community art projects are especially important in this age of AI, preserving the act as well as the outcome of making a piece of art keeps it alive. Additionally, it promotes creativity among our youth, and lets us have the opportunity to display it in a public but safe environment. Working together on the zine has truly been a joy, and putting something bigger than ourselves out there is an honor."

Issue #2 posting soon!

And P.S. - If you have an idea for a project like this, we want to help you make it a reality.