Barack Obama joins the "It Gets Better" campaign

The president films a video in response to the rising number of gay suicides

Published October 22, 2010 2:30PM (EDT)

President Obama comes out in support of the "It Gets Better" campaign
President Obama comes out in support of the "It Gets Better" campaign

Hillary Clinton made one a few days ago, and now it's Barack Obama's turn. In a three-minute video message aimed at teens who are being bullied for their sexuality, the president explains that "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 like you don't belong. It's tough."

Update: Sex columnist Dan Savage reacted to President Obama's video on CNN's American Morning early Friday. Savage, who founded the "It Gets Better" campaign, was quick to express his gratitude for the president's participation, noting that the comments would "mean a great deal to bullied LGBT kids all across the country." However, Savage also made sure to slip in a critique of the administration's decision this week to appeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell:

The President of the United States has the power to do more than assure LGBT kids that it will get better. The President of the United States and his administration have the power to make it better, to stop appealing DADT, to stop defending DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act] in court, and to make the changes that President Obama promised when he was candidate Obama to the LGBT community.

The video is available below:

 


By Salon Staff

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