San Francisco Police Department Debuts 'It Gets Better' Video
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- As part of the nationwide campaign to end bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, the San Francisco Police Department debuted an "It Gets Better" video, the department announced Friday.
Police Chief Greg Suhr said the video is the first of its kind for not only San Francisco law enforcement but for any law enforcement agency in the U.S.
"I hope this message of encouragement will give hope to anyone who might be bullied because of who they are," Suhr said, adding that the department plans to reach out to youth and young people as mentors and role models.
The video joins the collection of more than 30,000 "It Gets Better" videos made over the past 16 months since syndicated columnist Dan Savage and his husband Terry Miller first launched the project following a string of teen suicides by gay youth and young people perceived to be gay.
KCBS' Janice Wright Reports:
The project has received submissions from celebrities, politicians, organizations and media personalities, including President Barack Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, the San Francisco Giants and the Broadway community.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee called the SFPD's video, which features LGBT department members sharing their life experiences and encouragement, "heartfelt" and noted its message is aligned with San Franciscan values.
"San Francisco is a city that prides itself on embracing equality for all, and this video is another great example of our commitment to reinforcing our city's values," Lee said.
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