February 28, 2012
NYC Congressional Delegation Releases "It Gets Better" Video
Michael K. Lavers READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Members of New York City's congressional delegation on Monday released an "It Gets Better" video.
Congressmen Jerrold Nadler, Ed Towns, Eliot Engel, Carolyn Maloney, Joe Crowley and Jos� E. Serrano appear in the nearly six minute spot.
"Ever since the Stonewall demonstrations of 1969, our country has made great strides in LGBT equality," said Nadler, citing same-sex couples who can now legally marry in New York and other states, the repeal of the military's ban on openly gay and lesbian servicemembers and the passage of anti-discrimination measures that include sexual orientation and gender identity. "If you are being bullied, or having trouble at school or at home, it may seem hard to believe that you will personally experience this kind of progress in your lifetime, but it does get better and you are not alone."
Maloney, who introduced the country's second domestic partnership bill while on the New York City Council, also highlighted the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell.'
"Always remember, people are standing with you, helping you and believe me, it gets better," she said.
U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer are among the other New York lawmakers who have appeared in "It Gets Better" videos since the anti-bullying initiative began in late 2010 in response to a spite of LGBT teenager suicides.
Based in Washington, D.C., Michael K. Lavers has appeared in the New York Times, BBC, WNYC, Huffington Post, Village Voice, Advocate and other mainstream and LGBT media outlets. He is an unapologetic political junkie who thoroughly enjoys living inside the Beltway.
