Chris Evans and his gay brother, Scott, share a hopeful message for LGBTQ+ youth
Captain America wants you!
Captain America actor Chris Evans and his brother Scott, have shared a message with the LGBTQ+ nonprofit It Gets Better Project in solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth.
For Giving Tuesday (29 November), the note from Scott, who is gay and set to star in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film Barbie, and The Gray Man’s Chris encourages people to stand in support of queer youth for the It Gets Better’s ‘Better Everyday’ project.
The campaign aims to keep hope front and centre for LGBTQ+ youth as the holiday season approaches.
The goal is to raise $200,000 before the end of the year, these funds will go towards the It Gets Better mission and provide vital life-affirming resources to LGBTQ+ youth.
“Over the last year, we’ve seen LGBTQ+ youth targeted at an alarming rate,” the Evans’ brother’s letter begins.
“More than 300 bills have been introduced around the country aiming to strip LGBTQ+ kids of their basic rights,” it continues. “Less than two weeks ago when five people were killed and 19 more injured in a shooting in Club Q in Colorado Springs, several lawmakers responded with their typical thoughts and prayers.”
Many have been critical of responses to the Colorado mass shooting, in which five people were killed and 25 injured earlier in November.
Notably, Lauren Boebert, a representative for Colorado’s 3rd congressional district, was called out for her hypocrisy. Following the shooting Boebert tweeted “the victims & their families are in my prayers” despite condemning kid-friendly drag shows in August and in May claiming LGBTQ-inclusive education was “grooming” children.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the representative for New York’s 14th congressional district, declared Boebert “played a major role in elevating anti-LGBT+ hate rhetoric and anti-trans lies”.
Chris Evans and his little brother’s note continues: “This is the time to step up and be an ally — to ensure LGBTQ+ young people are surrounded by a community that supports and uplifts them unconditionally.”
They go on to outline the importance of the “media, storytelling, and educational resources to uplift, empower and connect LGBTQ+ around the globe” that the It Gets Better Project provides, helping equip the next generation with the skills to “make their communities better, counter negativity, and stand up against bigotry.”
“We know there are a ton of worthy causes you can support on #GivingTuesday, but we’re encouraging you to make an investment in LGBTQ+ youth today. Join us in helping the It Gets Better Project to raise $20K by midnight.
“These kids are the future, and with your support, their future can look bright,” they conclude. “Thanks for helping us make it better.”
The Better Everyday campaign runs through 31 December 2022, donations can be made here.