It Gets Better II: Electric Boogaloo

November 12, 2012 7:53 AM

Update on MeFi It Gets Better Project! Deadline approaching: December 1!

Since the old thread is closed, I wanted to open up another thread to remind folks of the details of this project and also to thank the members over at MeFiMusic who have contributed some awesome selections (and are still doing so) for our use in the project.

If you have any questions or concerns or comments or problems, here's the place to discuss them!

As a reminder, here are the details for the project with some due dates:

MeFi It Gets Better Project

Purpose:
To contribute the personal positive experiences of MeFi Members to the growing chorus of voices giving hope to at-risk QUILTBAG youth, and providing them with resources such as The Trevor Project (US), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (US) or Kids Help Phone (Canada). Please feel free to provide resources beyond these.

The Trevor Project
866-4-U-TREVOR

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
1-800-273-TALK

Kids Help Phone (Canada)
1-800-668-6868

Phase One: Content Acquisition
October-November 2012
Deadline: December 1, 2012

• All MeFi Members are welcome to submit personal testimonials and messages of encouragement for QUILTBAG youth.
• Personal videos should be recorded and submitted to [e-mail] for editing and formatting.
• Members are encouraged to wear MeFi t-shirts when filming.
• Members are also asked to film in a location that is quiet, to facilitate easier audio editing at a later date.
• Please keep your submission short, sweet and straightforward! Try to keep your video to under 2 minutes.


Members should only share the information that they feel comfortable sharing, and no specific information is mandatory for inclusion in the project. While no specific script is required, the following outlines the primary information that will help ensure that the project conforms to the standards of the “It Gets Better” project, and may be used as a template:

Introduction
Hi, I’m [Username] and I’m [sexual orientation/gender identity], and I’ve been a member of MetaFilter since [Date]. Out in the real world, I’m [job/hobby/interest/whatever/etc.].

Background Experience
I know growing up can be difficult. [If you have personally experienced any difficulties related to your sexual orientation or gender identity, please choose one specific example and describe it, ending with an encouraging message about how you overcame such difficulties, what resources you relied on, and what options are available for people in similar situations.]

Resolution
I want you to know that it gets better. It did for me, and it can for you.

Phase 2: Music
October 2012 (Extended to December 1!)
All MetaFilter Members with musical talent are encouraged to take part in this month’s MeFiMusic Challenge, related to the MeFi It Gets Better Project. Participants are asked to compose and record (alone or in collaboration) music that can be used for the MeFi It Gets Better Project Video(s). This is free-form, go nuts.

Phase 3: Collection and Editing
December 2012
All participating members should submit their contribution by December 1, 2012 for final editing/formatting. A format will be chosen that will permit all interested members to participate in the final product.

Phase 4: Profit
Wait. What?
Some members have suggested that they are willing to make a financial contribution to this project, and jessamyn has volunteered to collect these donations and forward them in the name of MetaFilter to The Trevor Project. Please contact her for more details about forwarding your donation.

posted by jph to MetaFilter-Related at 7:53 AM (9 comments total)

Resource-wise, there's the LGBT Youth Line for youth up to age 27 in Ontario.
1-800-268-9688
posted by sheprime at 8:02 AM on November 12, 2012

Is there a distinction between personal and group videos? I figure the locales with a Bunch of MeFites can get together for a group video? Would that help?
posted by griphus at 8:40 AM on November 12, 2012

(also you are awesome for pulling this together, jph)
posted by griphus at 8:41 AM on November 12, 2012

Sure, group videos are great too, but we really do need some good first-hand testimony from some mefites to really put together one of these videos. Or maybe we don't. I don't really know. Currently I'm taking a wait and see approach for what the final product will look like based on who participates and what they provide us to work with. If it is ultimately just some group shots of mefites screaming "It Gets Better" then maybe that's the message that the community has to share - and I think that'll be great. There's no really wrong way to show our support. (Okay, maybe there are, but I think we're so far from that end of the spectrum that I'm not so worried about it...)
posted by jph at 9:07 AM on November 12, 2012

Out of curiosity, have you been receiving videos already?
posted by ocherdraco at 9:29 AM on November 12, 2012

Not yet...
posted by jph at 9:47 AM on November 12, 2012

Thanks for the nudge, I'll get this done this week.
posted by restless_nomad (staff) at 10:00 AM on November 12, 2012

So there isn't a way to contribute my story if I'm not comfortable being recorded myself?

Two resources local to me: The Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition and the Trans Youth Support Network.
posted by jiawen at 9:43 PM on November 15, 2012

jiawen, I think that we can probably work with whatever you're comfortable sharing. If you aren't comfortable recording it yourself, and you don't know anyone else who could record it on your behalf, then why don't you go ahead and send your story/experience/message to the email address above and we'll chat offline about how to best include it!

Also, thanks for the resources!
posted by jph at 11:29 AM on November 16, 2012