Lady Gaga has announced the launch of the Born This Way Foundation (BTWF), which will support programs and initiatives that deal with all aspects of “empowering youth.”
According to the non-profit charitable organization, it will “lead youth into a braver new society where each individual is accepted and loved as the person they were born to be.” BTWF will focus on youth empowerment and equality by addressing issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development and will utilize digital mobilization as one of the means to create positive change.
“My mother and I have initiated a passion project. We call it the Born This Way Foundation. Together we hope to establish a standard of bravery and kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment,” said Lady Gaga.
Led and directed by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, BTWF will partner with the The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and The California Endowment, which are both ranked among the top foundations in the country and focus on unique aspects of youth empowerment.
The foundation will also partner with the The Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University, one of the most cutting edge institutions in the country focusing on the power of the internet as a means to promote change. An advisory board will also be appointed and announced soon.
Lady Gaga’s single “Born This Way” was hailed as “the new gay anthem” by Elton John and features lyrics including, “No matter gay, straight, or bi/ lesbian, transgendered life/ I’m on the right track, baby.”
