These students in Alabama painted a Pride mural at their school!
Last year, we awarded $500,000 in grants to schools across the U.S. for student-led projects that support LGBTQ+ youth through our 50 States, 50 Grants, 5,000 Voices initiative. Just over a year later, it's time to see how their projects turned out:
Magic City Acceptance Academy in Homewood, Alabama used part of their grant funds to have an entire Pride-themed mural painted on their school's campus for everyone to see, as a daily reminder that they're supported.
Also fun fact: Magic City is an LGBTQ+ charter school made specifically for queer students!
We asked teacher Payne how it went and what advice they'd give to other LGBTQ+ students:
"It was exciting getting to work with the students to cultivate this project from the very beginning to completion. From brainstorming about what we wanted our mural to depict to painting with the kids to seeing the finalized mural, it was a thrilling process. You are seen and loved. Even if your immediate situation doesn't reflect that, there are people in this world who are so excited and happy for you to be exactly who you are and want to know and love you. Don't give up!" 💜
Stay tuned for more and see all of last year's grantees here: itgetsbetter.org/blog/meet-the-grantees