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Deval Patrick Releases "It Gets Better" Video

by Michael K. Lavers

National News Editor

Friday August 5, 2011

Governor Deval Patrick on Friday, Aug. 5, became the latest Massachusetts lawmaker to release an "It Gets Better" video.

"I know what it's like to be different to have folks who are sometimes around you who don't understand," said Patrick, whose daughter Katherine came out in 2008.

Patrick further referenced his experiences as a student, as a lawyer, and as the Commonwealth's first black governor in the video. "I want you to know there are also people around you who do understand, who care about you, who encourage you."

Staffers with the state's Democratic Party appeared in their own video that they released along with Patrick's.

Senator John Kerry and Congressmembers Ed Markey, John Tierney, Jim McGovern, Bill Keating, Richard Neal, Niki Tsongas, John Olver, Mike Capuano, Stephen Lynch and Barney Frank released their own "It Gets Better" video last Wednesday, July 27. Senator Scott Brown's conspicuous absence sparked controversy among among local and national LGBT activists.


Based in Washington, D.C., Michael K. Lavers has appeared in the New York Times, BBC, WNYC, Huffington Post, Village Voice, Advocate and other mainstream and LGBT media outlets. He is an unapologetic political junkie who thoroughly enjoys living inside the Beltway.