Ram Krishnan, the chief marketing officer of Frito-Lay, stated that the partnership reflected the brand's commitment toward LGBT equality.
"Time and again, our consumers have shown us, there really is nothing bolder than being true to yourself and living life to the fullest," said Ram Krishman, chief marketing officer for Frito-Lay, in a statement. "With Doritos Rainbows chips, we're bringing an entirely new product experience to our consumers to show our commitment toward equal rights for the LGBT community and celebrate humanity without exception."
All of the funds raised go to It Gets Better Project, and good thing - the campaign sold out of bags of the tasty chips in one day! That's $100,000 going to help LGBT kids.
Of course, there were the usual haters who can't stand anything positive happening to the gays.
Sales will go to It Gets Better, a non-profit group started by the infamous anti-Christian bully and bigot Dan Savage. Savage has demanded Republican presidential contender Ben Carson to “suck his dick.” He’s demanded the same from Republicans Herman Cain and Mike Huckabee. Savage went on a smear campaign against Rick Santorum to destroy Santorum’s reputation in Google searches. The hate Savage has hurled at conservative Christians is practically endless. The rainbow color of the Dorito chips represent the LGBT rainbow flag, a symbol now widely seen as one of anti-Christian hate and bigotry.
This collection of stories from notable members of the LGBT community is meant to build on Project testimonials and further empower and inspire audiences throughout the world with themes of courage, perseverance, personal growth, and hope -- giving context to when and why and how "it got better."
We began this project with the goal to educate, save lives, and change minds. We believe the stories that we’ve collected are capable of doing just that. So we are very proud to wrap this season with the incredible RuPaul, following moving stories from Nate Berkus, Janet Mock, Rosie O'Donnell, Andrew Rannells and Portia De Rossi.
From executive producers Dan Bucatinsky, Lisa Kudrow, Brian Pines and Dan Savage.
Via L/Studio - created by Lexus - an eclectic collection of unique perspectives meant to inspire you. Surprising, intelligent, and original work from the worlds of film, art, culture, design, science, and beyond.
Sean Chapin, the activist behind the Change.org petition that convinced the San Francisco 49ers to be the first NFL team to make an 'It Gets Better' video, has questions. He says the team needs to address the remarks made by linebacker Ahmad Brooks and nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga last week in the days before the Super Bowl.
Brooks and Sopoaga both denied participating in the video, and then, when they were shown it, said they never knew it had anything to do with gays, and then appeared to want to distance themselves from it.
In light of all of this, Sean Chapin has questions.
Their comments led Dan Savage to pull the video from the 'It Gets Better' site.
Savage then tweeted: "We've removed the #49ers #ItGetsBetter video from our website. #homophobia #NFL #horsesh*t"
Another wrinkle in the discussion around San Francisco 49ers and gays unfolded yesterday as two players, linebacker Ahmad Brooks and nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga, were being questioned by reporters about Chris Culliver's anti-gay remarks.
In light of Brooks and Sopoaga participation in the 49ers 'It Gets Better' video last year, reporters assumed they would have an broader perspective on the issue. However, now there is a new chapter to the 49ers anti-gay story as Brooks and Sopoaga both denied participating in the video. Even when they were shown it, they stated they never knew it had anything to do with gays.
At first, Brooks and Sopoaga, approached by USA TODAY Sports, denied being part of the project.
"I didn't make any video," Brooks said. "This is America and if someone wants to be gay, they can be gay. It's their right. But I didn't make any video."
When told USA TODAY Sports had seen the video and he was in it, Brooks replied, "I don't remember that. I think if I made a video, I'd remember it." He was shown the video on an iPhone.
"Oh, that. It was an anti-bullying video, not a gay (rights) video," he said.
When told that studies show that the majority of teens who are bullied are harassed over sexual identity issues, Brooks thought for a second. "I know that. I know that," he said. "Okay, you're right and I'm wrong. Are you from one of those New York newspapers?"
Unfortunately, someone apparently forgot to deliver the message to the players that this was a video that supported gay rights.
Sopoaga, too, denied making the video, even while teammate Will Tukuafu, who overheard the question, tried to refresh his memory. "Yeah, you made that video, remember?" Tukuafu said.
"No," Sopoaga said. "I never went. And now someone is using my name." Sopoaga was shown the video. "What was that for?" he asked.
To ask teens to stop bullying other teens because of sexual identity, he was told.
"Yeah, OK," he said. Would you like to comment on it, he was asked. "No," he said.
Multiple players wanted to be in the video, USA Today adds, but only the most intimidating players were chosen.
Dan Savage tweeted last night: "We've removed the #49ers #ItGetsBetter video from our website. #homophobia #NFL #horsesh*t"
For the record, here is the video that Brooks & Sopoaga "forgot" they participated in:
The New York Police Department has recorded a video for the It Gets Better Project, the series that seeks to help LGBT teens get through tough times by reminding them that life will improve.
“There was a time that I wanted to disappear, it was that painful, so I understand what it feels like,” says Det. Carl Locke, president of the Gay Officers Action League, in the video. “But it does get better.”
Police commissioner Ray Kelly reminds gay youth that they can turn to the police for help if they’re being bullied. “No one should have to suffer for being who they are,” he says.
The Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association produced a video comprising of LGBT officers and civilian members of the Austin Police Department to send a message to LGBTQ youth that it does get better.
This is part of the It Gets Better Project and The Trevor Project to reach out to LGBTQ youth who may be struggling due to bullying, harassment, and non-acceptance, and who may be thinking of committing suicide.
The message is to let those youth know that even though it is difficult today, tomorrow will bring hope, love, and life. Help is here to get you there.
As a native Texan who spent my summers in Austin (one of my favorite cities) I'm so proud of this video. These folks did an amazing job of communicating not only the struggles of the journey of coming out, but the pride and joy you feel when it finally "gets better" and you can accept and love yourself.
Today, the San Francisco 49ers became the first NFL team to join the international It Gets Better Project that tells LGBT youth the truth: life can stink, but things do indeed improve.
Watch 49ers players Ahmad Brooks, Ricky Jean Francois, Isaac Sopoaga, and Donte Whitner send the positive message that life does get better.
"The San Francisco 49ers are proud to join ItGetsBetter.org, to let all LGBT teens know that It Gets Better," says Whitner as he and his teammates explain that life's challenges make us who we are and that any difficulty we overcome together will make us a stronger person tomorrow.
I have to say, I love all of these videos but this one really gets me a bit. Maybe because when I was struggling with my "self" and figuring out who I was as a teenager, my best friends were football players in high school. Those two guys, John and David, always made me feel a part of the group even when we were around kids who bullied me and called me names. Of course, that activity didn't happen when John and David were around. Not only were they popular, but they were also two big guys :)
Their friendship helped give me courage to figure myself out and eventually be who I am.
I hope this video does that for some kids out there today.
I know a lot of these videos are out on the internet now, which I think is terrific. I wish I had this message available to me when I was in high school.
Living in Las Vegas - which has a huge Mormon population - I know a lot of folks who fight with intrinsically knowing who they are but afraid of the Mormon Church's position.
I really enjoyed interviewing Justin Utley, award-winning gay singer/songwriter who grew up in Utah as a Mormon, about his journey to reconcile his life and his faith. You can listen to him tell his story on an episode of The Candi & Randy Show. Very honest and direct. I like Justin. And his music.
And I like this video. Again - direct and honest. Good job BYU kids.
From the YouTube page: USGA (Understanding Same-Gender Attraction) is an unofficial group of Brigham Young University students, faculty, and friends who wish to strengthen families and the BYU community by providing a place for open, respectful discussions on the topic of same-gender attraction.
If you'd like to add your voice to the messages of hope and love, please make a video, upload it to YouTube and send us the link. Thanks!
"IT GETS BETTER"
The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach — if they can just get through their teen years.
The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better. The website itgetsbetter.org is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bi, or trans can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future. It's a place where straight allies can visit and support their friends and family members. It's a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge, watch videos of love and support, and seek help.
If you are considering suicide or need help, call the Trevor Project now: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).
In writing TESTIMONY, Stephen Schwartz collaborated with Dan Savage, creator of the groundbreaking "It Gets Better Project." Schwartz has set the heartfelt words from the "It Gets Better" videos to music, weaving them into a breathtaking, emotional new masterpiece that speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place.
The beginning of the piece gives voice to the doubts many LGBT youth feel growing up. But as the piece progresses, the lyrics express the confidence and truth of lives lived openly as we get older and realize "it does get better."
Artistic Director and Conductor of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Dr. Tim Seelig says, “In four decades of conducting and commissioning new choral works, ‘Testimony’ is one of the most profound works of choral art I have ever experienced. We can never adequately express our gratitude to Stephen Schwartz for what he has given to us and to the world. If one person is moved and ultimately changed by these words, all of our work will have been worth it.”
Versions will also be available on iTunes audio and video. A limited edition DVD is available for sale at http://www.sfgmc.org and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the It Gets Better Project.
The It Gets Better campaign, launched by Dan Savage in 2010 as a response to antigay bullying and teen suicide, is now an hour-long special with appearances by Zachary Quinto, Jake Shears, Chaz Bono, Margaret Cho, Sia, and Adam Levine, reports Entertainment Weekly.
Dan Savage will host the special, also titled "It Gets Better", which will follow three young people as they struggle with LGBT issues and will premiere simultaneously on Logo/MTV February 21.
(source)
Thought I'd take a look at Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos since he's getting so much ink about being terrific and sexy and all that. (Ok, I tried to find some sexy shirtless pics, but there aren't many to find...)
I understand folks are petitioning him to make an "It Gets Better" video for kids that are bullied. Sounds like a great idea for a role model. More than 3,000 fans have signed a petition urging Tebow and fellow Broncos to make the video.
As many readers here know, the project, founded in September, 2010, is an effort to curb suicides among lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender teens. 'It Gets Better' has delivered video messages from public figures including Barack Obama and pro sports teams like the San Francisco Giants, encouraging teens that their lives will improve in adulthood.
No NFL team has yet joined the campaign. Will Tim Tebow be the first quarterback to join "It Gets Better?"
The Baltimore Orioles have joined the "It Gets Better" campaign with a terrific video to assure young people life gets better. Great to see role models like these standing up against bullying.
