Lady GaGa’s new inspirational foundation to empower youth
The Born This Way Foundation was launched by Lady GaGa Wednesday at Harvard.
The Born This Way Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that will address issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development through research, education and advocacy.
“The culture of love is not going to change overnight but youth are the answer to creating a braver, kinder world,” Lady GaGa said, “This might be one of the best days of my life.”
GaGa said she knew there was “no one answer” or law that can stop bullying and hate. She does hope the Born This Way Foundation will become an environment that allows youth to safely express their individuality, and will encourage self-expression.
Born This Way Foundation is named for Lady GaGa’s hit single. The song has become an unofficial anthem for the LGBT community since its release, and the Born This Way Foundation is expected to include outreach specifically to that community.
However, the Born This Way Foundation is not solely about bullying, but rather empowering youth. Lady GaGa said Born This Way Foundation is about “transformative change in culture over time” and will encourage students to do simple acts of kindness to help foster tolerance.
“If you have revolutionary potential, you must make the world a better place and use it,” GaGa said.
As part of the Born This Way Foundation, the “Born Brave Bus” will follow GaGa’s tour bus around the country. The point of the bus is to be a meeting spot for anyone who wants to talk about love, acceptance and kindness, and to spread the foundation’s message.
Lady GaGa’s mom Cynthia Germanotta, Oprah Winfrey, and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius attended the launch with Lady Gaga. Cynthia Germanotta will serve as the foundation’s president.
