It Gets Better Video Transcript
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Video for the “It Gets Better” Project
Washington, DC
Like 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. It’s something that
just shouldn’t happen in this country.
We’ve got to dispel the myth that bullying is just a normal rite of passage –
that it’s some inevitable part of growing up. It’s 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 you’re in trouble, there are caring adults
who can help.
I don’t know what it’s like to be picked on for being gay. But I do know what
it’s like to grow up feeling that sometimes you don’t belong. It’s tough. And
for a lot of kids, the sense of being alone or apart – I know can just wear on
you. And when you’re teased or bullied, it can seem like somehow you brought it
on yourself – for being different, or for not fitting in with everybody else.
But what I want to say is this. You are not alone. You didn’t do anything wrong.
You didn’t 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 you’re getting down
on yourself, you’ve got to make sure to reach out to people you trust. Whether
it’s your parents, teachers, folks that you know care about you just the way you
are. You’ve got to reach out to them, don’t feel like you’re in this by
yourself.
The other thing you need to know is, things will get better. And more than that,
with time you’re going to see that your differences are a source of pride and a
source of strength. You’ll look back on the struggles you’ve faced with
compassion and wisdom. And that’s not just going to serve you, but it will help
you get involved and make this country a better place.
It will mean that you’ll be more likely to help fight discrimination – not just
against LGBT Americans, but discrimination in all its forms. It means you’ll be
more likely to understand personally and deeply why it’s 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 people’s eyes and
stand in their shoes – that we never lose sight of what binds us together.
As a nation we’re 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. That’s the freedom that enriches all of us. That’s what America is
all about. And every day, it gets better.
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