8:15am | Long Beach City Councilmember Robert Garcia has released the Long Beach contribution to the national “It Gets Better” Project, a series of videos aimed at supporting LGBT youth who may be experiencing bullying or harassment because of their sexual orientation. The campaign, which was started by syndicated columnist Dan Savage, features supporters as well as allies of the LGBT community, sharing stories, experiences and resources, meant to encourage LGBT youth to remain hopeful, seek support when they need it, and love themselves for who they are.

So far, the Project has generated more than 25,000 user-created videos viewed more than 40 million times worldwide, including spots by President Obama, sports teams including the San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox, entertainers including Matthew Morrison of “Glee” and Ellen DeGeneres, the staffs of Google, Facebook, Pixar, and thousands of other people from all walks of life. 

“I’m proud of Long Beach for being a part of this project, and proud to live and represent a city that honors diversity and supports everyone,” said Garcia. “I’m very grateful to the Mayor and all of our community leaders for representing our city so well.” 

The video will premieres Wednesday, November 16 at 8:45 PM on LBTV at Channel 3 on Charter, and Channel 21 on Verizon FIOS. It is also now available at the City’s Youtube page.

The video will play on LBTV for the rest of the year.

The video released today includes Garcia and Mayor Bob Foster, as well as the Reverend Sunshine Daye, City Human Rights Commissioner and Center Board member Raul Arnorve, LGBT community leader Cory Allen, Fourth Council District staffer Armando Vasquez-Ramos, Living Love Foundation Director Kelli Curry, local businessman Glenn Agnocillo, local event production consultant and military veteran Elisa McConnehea, and local realtors Jeff Anderson and Torey Carrick, who are married.   

Councilmember Garcia encourages residents to post the video on Facebook, tweet it, and share it with friends.

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