Mass. delegation makes ‘It Gets Better’ video

By Glen Johnson, Globe Staff

The Massachusetts congressional delegation - save for US Senator Scott Brown - has made its own “It Gets Better” video to encourage youth encountering uncertainties and difficulties as they realize they are homosexual.

“I know you may feel that even the people who are closest to you can’t understand what you’re going through,” says US Senator John Kerry as he starts the piece.

“But I can tell you, you’re not alone,” continues US Representative Edward J. Markey, dean of the congressional delegation.

Each of the other 10 members also makes a brief comment, except Brown, who does not appear in the video.

The senator has sought to make job creation his singular focus as the lone Republican in the all-Democratic delegation seeks election to his first full, six-year term next year. He was asked to participate in the video but declined.

“Scott Brown has a strong record at the state and federal level against bullying and believes that all people regardless of sexual orientation should be treated with dignity and respect. His main focus right now is on creating jobs and getting our economy back on track,” said spokesman Colin Reed.

The Massachusetts Democratic Party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee pounced on Brown’s lack of participation, noting his anti-gay rights votes and statements as a state lawmaker.

Unlike some of his fellow Massachusetts Republicans, Brown has spoken out strongly against same-sex marriage, supporting a Constitutional amendment to ban such unions, and has opposed the repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Reed said Brown “believes in traditional marriage, but accepts that gay marriage is settled law in Massachusetts and believes it’s time to move on.” Recently, Brown supported the repeal of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy banning gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military.

Last week, despite his jobs focus, the senator also announced legislation - and gave an interview - to combat marine mammal abuse after the shooting of six seals on Cape Cod.

The congressional video concludes with comments from US Representative Barney Frank, an openly gay member of Congress.

The It Gets Better project was founded by Dan Savage, a provocative sex columnist who frequently criticizes social conservatives.

“The ‘It Gets Better’ Campaign has collected thousands of video testimonials to offer hope and support to LGBT youth across the country. To encourage that message among teens in our state, the Massachusetts delegation put together its own ‘It Gets Better’ video,” Kerry spokeswoman Whitney Smith said in a statement.