In a video sent to the "It Gets Better Project" in 2010, The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles sang Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors." In the original video, a group of gay men and their allies, diverse in age and race, walk toward the camera and place their hands on each other's shoulders. The group offers heartwarming evidence that there is a loving and supportive community that holds children and teens close to their hearts.
The message is clear: "We may not be able to stop bullying, but we can tell you that your life will get better. And all those things that make you different will become the things that everyone treasures most about you."
The video became a highlight in the It Gets Better Project, so much so that the co-artistic director of Speak Theatre Arts began discussions with leaders of GMCLA and other musical theater talents about the power music has in reaching folks who need this message the most. The result of these conversations became a musical named after the It Gets Better project.
Earlier this month, the new musical took the stage at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles. The premiere featured Lily Tomlin, Leanne Rhimes, Greg Louganis, and Dan Savage.
A live recording of one of the most touching songs in the play, "Song For Jamey," was released yesterday. Written by Sacha Sacket, the song's dedicated to Jamey Rodemeyer, a young gay teen who made an It Gets Better video and committed suicide shortly thereafter because of extreme bullying. Jamey's It Gets Better video can be found here.
Cast member Sacket was badly bullied in high school and identified greatly with Jamey's story. Born in Iran, Sacket never disclosed the harassment he faced to his family and experienced severe alienation and depression. Heartbroken over the news of Rodemeyer, Sacket wrote Song For Jamey song in one sitting.
You can purchase the single from iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. To learn more about Sacha Sacket, visit his official website. For more information about the 'It Gets Better' tour, visit the official website. Watch the clip below:
