Dua Lipa has been named The Trevor Project’s Mental Health Champion of the Year, in recognition of her work advocating for the mental health awareness of LGBTQ+ young people.
READ MORE: Dua Lipa live at Glastonbury: a powerhouse performance to shut down the critics
The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organisation for
LGBTQ+ young people in the U.S. and Mexico, awarded Lipa with the honour due to her “outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights and her candour around her own mental health struggles”.
The annual award highlights public figures using their platform to raise awareness of issues facing LGBTQ+ youth – it has previously been given to Lil Nas X, Janelle Monáe and Dylan Mulvaney.
In a press statement, the ‘Houdini’ singer shared that she was “unbelievably moved and honoured” to receive the award.
“The Trevor Project is an organisation that is near and dear to my heart, and I am humbled to play a part in shining a light on mental health awareness for LGBTQ+ young people. You are a beautiful, unstoppable community, and I am constantly in awe of the courage and strength you demonstrate when you stand proudly in your truth.
“To every young person out there: know that you are loved, you are not alone and The Trevor Project is a wonderful organization that is always there for you,” she continued.
“The LGBTQ+ community have been my biggest champions since the start of my career, and I will continue to fight to make sure your voices are heard, your rights are protected, and you are treated with respect for being just the way you are.”
Dua Lipa. CREDIT: Matthew Baker/Getty Images for ABA
The news follows Trump’s recent victory in the US election, which resulted in The Trevor Project’s crisis services experiencing an increase in demand of nearly 700%, per a press release.
Jaymes Black, CEO at The Trevor Project said: “Dua Lipa’s outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights and her candor around her own mental health struggles make her the ideal recipient for this year’s award.
“Dua sets an excellent example for how allies can use their platforms to amplify the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, including access to culturally competent mental health care,” Black continued.
According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary youth.
Dua Lipa talks about the @TrevorProject via Instagram!
Donate: https://t.co/ET4Mh1W2ee pic.twitter.com/nZgsXosjXc
— Dua Lipa News (@dlipanews) June 26, 2020
“Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that LGBTQ+ young people feel safe and supported in their mental health journeys,” Black said. “We’re witnessing another record-breaking year of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country, and we know that the dangerous rhetoric surrounding these policies can have real-life impacts on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth.
“When public figures like Dua Lipa spread awareness around these issues, it signals to LGBTQ+ youth that their feelings are valid and their experiences matter.”
Elsewhere, it’s been revealed that Lipa’s one-off show at London’s Royal Albert Hall, which saw a guest appearance from Elton John, is set to be televised later this year on ITV.
She played the special gig on October 17, performing in the centre of the iconic venue alongside the 43-piece Heritage Orchestra, a 14-strong choir and seven-piece band. No release date has yet been confirmed.
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