Shine OnB.C. gay and lesbian RCMP officers release ‘It Gets Better’ video
A YouTube video featuring 20 British Columbia RCMP officers and civilian employees is taking its place among the more than 50,000 clips that make up the "It Gets Better" campaign.
The RCMP members featured in the almost 10-minute video describe a wide range of experiences. They talk about when they first realized they were not heterosexual, being bullied and teased, feeling alone, stereotypes, a lack of role models, and how they came out to their parents and families.
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"Terrifying. Absolutely terrified," says Anita Furlan, of what it was like to tell her family she was gay. "I don't think you'll find any kid or adult that comes out to their family that doesn't have that fear of rejection. I mean, it's normal."
The campaign aims to help gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth understand that things will get easier when they are older.
Most of the speakers in the RCMP video are in uniform, and a red mountie uniform and hat are visible in the background, as is a Canadian flag. At the end of the video, everyone's name and position is listed.
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Columnist Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller started the It Gets Better Project with a single video back in 2010. Since then, more than 50,000 users have contributed videos, and those clips have been viewed more than 50 million times. There are videos by Barack Obama, Ellen Degeneres, Tim Gunn, Sarah Silverman, Colin Farrell, and many more.
The video ends with a reminder that help is available and lists several websites including Youthinbc.com, Bullyingendshere.ca, and Thetrevorproject.org.
