The Boston Red Sox on Firday joined the “It Gets Better Project” and “The Trevor Project” in producing a video to inspire hope for young people who may be struggling adversity and intolerance.

The Red Sox become the third professional sports team — after the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs — to participate in the campaign aimed at providing encouragement for LGBT youth.

“Bullying is something that has touched many of our lives either personally or through someone we love,” said Red Sox senior vice president of public affairs/marketing Susan Goodenow.

“We are proud of dedicated Red Sox fans like 12-year-old Sam Maden who took the courageous step recently to publicly stand up against bullying of LGBT youth, and we are honored to join Sam and others throughout Red Sox Nation in support of the It Gets Better Project.”

The 60-second video features third baseman Kevin Youkilis; catcher and team captain Jason Varitek; and Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

Also included are Eric Maitland, a Red Sox greeter and Wheelock College counselor; TJ Connelly, Fenway Park’s DJ and member of the Red Sox Fan Services & Entertainment department; Kristen Rosa, Smith College student and Red Sox fan; and Alison Tippett, a student at Lexington High School and daughter of Red Sox Director of Baseball Information Services Tom Tippett.

The “It Gets Better Project,” which has since compiled more than 10,000 online videos, was launched by Seattle-based activist and author Dan Savage and his husband Terry Miller, in response to the increasing number of teen suicides of kids who were bullied for their perceived sexual orientation.

Tags: Boston, Boston Red Sox, It Gets Better, Major League Baseball, Massachusetts, Sports, Trevor Project

Filed under: Massachusetts