It Gets Better Premieres on MTV

It all started with a video, and now it's a TV show. Dan Savage, co-founder of the It Gets Better campaign (and a 2011 Out100 honoree) and popular columnist and web personality, worked with MTV on "It Gets Better," an hour-long special that focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth set to premiere on both MTV and Logo Tues., Feb. 21 at 11 p.m. EST.

"The lives of these three young people will resonate with millions of teens--gay and straight--who are being bullied for simply being themselves," said Savage in an official statement. "It's so important they know that things get better and that living openly and honestly and being who you are makes it better. They have so many great moments ahead of them and they will do things they never thought possible--so long as they keep fighting, stay positive, and stay with us."

From the trailer (watch below), it seems it's a far cry from those after-school specials from my youth and follows the formula that works for MTV, creating drama from small domestic disputes and family ties.

This is just the start for Savage. He has a book out with his husband Terry Miller titled It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living. And his "Savage U" TV show--which will be MTV's answer to its own popular '90s show "Loveline" that starred Dr. Drew--is set to premiere sometime this spring on MTV and will follow Savage as he travels across the country to different college campuses, offering advice to students on relationships, responsibility, sex, love, and life.