Antioch University Los Angeles President Neal King Records Video in Support of LGBTQ Youth

Inspired by the 'It Gets Better' Project, the AULA President offers hope to bullied teens

CULVER CITY, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to a rash of teen suicides in the month of September and inspired by the example set by the "It Gets Better " Project and The Trevor Project, Antioch University Los Angeles President Neal King, PhD, recorded a video reaching out to despondent gay teens.

The video has since been uploaded to AULA's access page on YouTube and can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMDtpnoKfAs

As one of the first and few openly gay presidents in higher education today, Dr. King offers a unique voice and perspective to the scores of teens in the world who are harassed daily for their sexual orientation.  A gay activist from the age of 28 and legally married to his partner of fourteen years, Dr. King is familiar with the struggles and triumphs that come with living gay in today's world.

In a warm and personalized message, President King impresses upon LGBTQ teens that they are not alone in their struggle. "Even though we don't know each other, there are people out there who care about you like me," shared Dr. King, "and who fight every day for your right to live openly and love openly." As president of Antioch University Los Angeles, Dr. King works actively to increase awareness of LGBTQ issues and to support the principles of social equity upon which Antioch College was originally founded.

The "It Get's Better" Project was founded by columnist Dan Savage after learning of the tragic suicide of fifteen year old Billy Lucas, a gay teen who hanged himself after enduring intense bullying by his classmates. Frustrated by schools and churches that prevent gay adults from talking to troubled teens like Billy, Savage turned to the Internet to reach out to them directly.

Another organization that has received widespread recognition for its focus on crisis and suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth is The Trevor Project. According to The Trevor Project, suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds, and LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Those who come from a family who rejects their sexual orientation are up to nine times more likely to do so.

With more than 6,000 distinguished alumni, AULA has been honored to serve the diverse communities of the greater Los Angeles area since 1972. Our core values of social justice, service to community, and lifelong learning comprise the heart of our BA degree completion program and master's degree programs in organizational management, education and teacher credentialing, psychology, urban sustainability and creative writing.

SOURCE Antioch University Los Angeles