Philadelphia Phillies Announce “It Gets Better” Video Against Anti-Gay Bullying

The Philadelphia Phillies announced last night that they will produce an “It Gets Better” video, becoming the seventh team in professional sports to join the campaign in taking a stand against anti-gay bullying and homophobia. More than 2,000 people -- mostly Phillies fans in the Philadelphia area -- signed lifelong Phillies fan Jerome Hunt’s petition to the Phillies, a campaign he was inspired to start in part due to his own experiences being bullied.

“Today, I am even more honored to wear my Phillies red because I know that this organization values and respects its LGBT fans, like myself,” said Hunt. “Straight allies do make a difference in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment and I am glad the Phillieshave once again shown why they are an elite organization who truly cares about the community.”

Hunt started his campaign after he saw that another Change.org petition led to the San Francisco Giants agreeing to become the first professional sports team in America to make an “It Gets Better” video. Subsequently, more than 2,000 people signed Hunt’s petition, and last night Philadelphia Weekly reported that the Phillies are in the process of creating an “It Gets Better” video:

“We are getting on board with the project and we’ve had some discussions with the project manager,” said Bonnie Clark, Vice President of Communications for the Phillies. “Based on the conversations we had with him, the time frame we’re looking at is probably going to be in conjunction with ‘Back to School.’”

Hunt lives in Washington, DC, but he remains a Phillies partial season ticket holder and regularly treks up to Philadelphia to watch his favorite team play. He’s thrilled that the Phillies have agreed to make an “It Gets Better” video.

“The Phillies making an ‘It Gets Better’ video could be that beacon of hope for an LGBT youth who is struggling with bullying and harassment for just being who they are,” said Hunt. “Straight allies play a tremendous role in providing a safe space for LGBT youth to be who they are free of judgement, harassment, and bullying. Hearing the words that it is okay to be who you are and It Gets Better from a sports star you look up to can and does make a difference.”

So far, the Giants, Cubs, and Red Sox have all made “It Gets Better” videos after being petitioned by their fans to do so on Change.org, and the Twins, Mariners, and Nationals have announced they are making videos as well. The momentum behind these videos is especially notable, as there are currently no openly gay athletes playing in any of the four major pro sports.

"We're thrilled that the Phillies are making an 'It Gets Better' video,” said Eden James, Director of Organizing at Change.org. “This will help kids in Philadelphia see that their heroes accept them for who they are, even if others do not. It also sends a clear message that there's no place for homophobia in sports, from the high school level all the way up to the pros."

More than 20,000 “It Gets Better” videos have been produced since syndicated columnist Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller launched the project in September 2010 in response to an epidemic of teen suicides by gay kids and kids perceived to be gay.  Through “It Gets Better” videos, President Barack Obama, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and corporations like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Pixar and other major organizations and leaders have provided hope to kids struggling with sexual orientation and gender identity.

More information on the It Gets Better Project:
http://www.itgetsbetter.org

View Jerome Hunt’s petition to the Philadelphia Phillies here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/philadelphia-phillies-please-make-an-it-gets-better-video