Beyoncé Is Standing Up for LGBTQ+ Youth in This Awesome Way
Beyoncé disappointed quite a few fans today with the announcement that she wouldn’t be headlining Coachella after all, in the best interest of her impending twins (have you SEEN these pregnancy spoofs?), thanks to doctor’s orders. But she did take time out today to stand up for another group of her fans — those belonging to the LGBTQ community.
On the heels of a major announcement from President Trump’s camp that would retract protections put in place by President Obama to allow transgender students the freedom to use whichever bathroom they felt most comfortable in for all schools receiving federal funds, Bey, like Trump’s own inauguration star, Jackie Evancho, took to social media to show her support for those affected.
Linking to LGBTQ organization, GLSEN (which works to support and protect LGBTQ teens in school)’s 100 Days of Kindness challenge, Bey expressed our need to do do just that. “Share your support to #protecttransyouth…and #KindnessInAction,” she wrote. The initiative invites people to post messages of support to LGBTQ youth on social media, creating a “virtual wall” of positivity around them.
The post was a simple move on her end, but one that means the world to the group. In a statement to Huffington Post, GLSEN’s executive director, Dr. Eliza Byard said, “We are so thrilled that Beyoncé is standing up for transgender youth by joining GLSEN’s 100 Days of Kindness Campaign at this very difficult time. There is a great deal of confusion and fear out there right now, and Beyoncé has the unique power to cut through the noise to deliver a crucial message of love and support to all transgender youth. Thank you, Beyoncé. (And I cannot wait to tell my daughters about your support.)”
She’s got a good point — how cool is that!? Here’s to hoping more celebs will step up like Beyoncé did to lead the charge in showing our transgender youth that they’re still very much supported.
Are you impressed with Beyoncé’s activist efforts? Share with us @BritandCo.
(h/t The Huffington Post, photos via Kevin Winter + Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Getty)