PwC Says "It Gets Better" in Support of GLBT Youth

NEW YORK, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In support of the It Gets Better Project and the worldwide movement that has been created to support GLBT youth, PwC US has launched a video of gay and lesbian staff sharing their challenges growing up gay and describing how they found acceptance, support and happiness as adults. Over 10,000 individuals and organizations have contributed videos to this effort to combat bullying of GLBT youth.

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In the video's introduction, PwC US Chairman Bob Moritz applauds the eight PwC individuals who tell their inspiring stories.

"We all know it's hard to be different, especially when you're young and in school," Moritz says. "That's why role models are important. They inspire us. And I'm inspired by my colleagues who are sharing their stories in support of the It Gets Better Project."

Research from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network has found that nearly 9 out of 10 GLBT students in middle and high school experienced harassment at school in the past year and nearly two-thirds felt unsafe because of their sexual orientation.

PwC has a strong commitment to GLBT inclusion and was the first Big Four professional services firm to create an advisory board of openly gay partners. The group advises Firm leadership on the planning and implementation of GLBT initiatives.

PwC has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, DiversityInc and Out and Equal for its pioneering efforts toward gay inclusiveness. The firm also works with Point Foundation, a national organization that provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.  In 2009, Point awarded PwC its Point Inspiration Award for championing respect and inclusion of the GLBT community.

For more information about PwC's commitment to diversity, robust flexibility programs and expansive mentoring and development initiatives, please visit www.pwc.com/diversity.

About the It Gets Better Project

In September 2010, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell GLBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better.

The website www.itgetsbetter.org is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bi, or trans can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future.  It's a place where our straight allies can visit and support their friends and family members.  It's a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge, watch videos of love and support, and seek help through the Trevor Project and GLSEN.

About the PwC Network

PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See www.pwc.com for more information.

© 2011 PwC. All rights reserved. "PwC" and "PwC US" refer to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

SOURCE PwC