ELCA NEWS SERVICE
March 21, 2011
'It Gets Better' Book Features ELCA Presiding Bishop
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Hanson's essay was selected for inclusion by Dan Savage and Terry Miller, the founders of the project and the editors of the book. The two men launched the "It Gets Better" project when they created a YouTube video that reached out to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth facing harassment and bullying.
What followed was a worldwide phenomenon. According to the book's notes, more than 6,000 "It Gets Better" videos with messages of hope and encouragement have been posted to date, with more than 20 million views the first three months.
In his essay, Hanson offers reassurance to young people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, saying, "You are a beloved child of God."
"Your life carries the dignity and beauty of God's creation," Hanson said. "God has called you by name and claimed you forever. There is a place for you in this world and in this church."
Hanson, the father of six children and four grandchildren, writes that words have the power to both harm and heal people. "Sometimes the words of my Christian brothers and sisters have hurt you, and I also know that our silence causes you pain," he wrote.
Hanson adds that as a Christian, he trusts God is working in the world for justice and peace "through you and through me. It gets better," he said.
Among the many writers whose essays are featured in the book are President Barack Obama; the Rev. V. Gene Robinson, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire; Ellen Degeneres, entertainer; U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; U.S. Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota; U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco; and Suze Orman, author and financial adviser.
