By James Park -
Following on from its ground-breaking US TV advert for its Chrome browser that showcases the ‘It Gets Better’ YouTube campaign to support gay teens, Google has released a UK specific version in association with Stonewall.
The original 91 second advertisement aired during the commercial break of hit Fox show Glee. The new version includes the comedienne Rhona Cameron and the DJ Jodie Harsh.
‘It Gets Better’ is a YouTube channel where everyone from president Obama to Adam Lambert, Lady Gaga, Kathy Griffin and even Woody from Toy Story together with scores of ordinary people post messages of hope to gay teenagers. A UK spin-off ‘It Gets Better, Today’ has featured prime minister David Cameron and home secretary Theresa May.
The channel was initiated by Dan Savage, a writer and columnist, who acted as an agony uncle to depressed gay young people through his column ‘Savage Love’.
His original video, featured him and his partner Terry recount their experiences of being bullied and urge youngsters that life does get better. It has now been viewed more than 1.4 million times.
At the time, Mr Savage said: “When a gay teenager commits suicide, it’s because he can’t picture a life for himself that’s filled with joy and family and pleasure and is worth sticking around for.
“So I felt it was really important that, as gay adults, we show them that our lives are good and happy and healthy and that there’s a life worth sticking around for after high school.”
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