It Gets Better Essayist at Bookstore

RFH 2010, Colgate News

Sun, Apr 03, 2011

The Colgate Bookstore will host a discussion and book-signing with Jake Kleinman, contributor to the new book It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living, on Wednesday, April 13 at 4:30 p.m.

Following the premiere screening of Colgate’s “It Gets Better” video, Kleinman will share his story, detailed in the book’s chapter "From Scared to Proud: The Journey of a Gay Medical Student.” The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Last summer, after a number of tragic suicides by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students who were bullied in school, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage uploaded a video to YouTube with his partner Terry Miller to inspire hope for LGBT youth facing harassment. Speaking openly about the bullying they suffered as teenagers, and how they both went on to lead rewarding adult lives, their video launched the It Gets Better Project YouTube channel and initiated a worldwide phenomenon.

It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living is a collection - in book form - of expanded essays and new material from celebrities, everyday people and teens who have posted videos of encouragement, as well as new contributors who have yet to post videos to the site. By sharing these stories, It Gets Better reminds teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone - and it will get better.

Kleinman grew up in Westchester county as the youngest of three brothers. He was athletic throughout his childhood and high school days, where he played soccer, lacrosse, and was an alpine ski racer. He attended Colgate University from 2003-2007 where he was an active leader of the Southern Madison Ambulance Corps (SOMAC).

He graduated from Colgate with a degree in Spanish Literature and went on to attend Tulane University School of Medicine as well as helping rebuild the city of New Orleans. He has just completed medical school and will be pursuing a residency in pediatrics at Tulane. He is currently in a long-term relationship with his partner, Robert, who is a resident in Dermatology. The two of them are looking to start a family in New Orleans.