The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth, is honoring Dua Lipa for her “unwavering support” of the community and her “fierce, longtime” advocacy to end suicide among young LGBTQ people.
On Tuesday, the West Hollywood-based nonprofit named the “Levitating” singer as the recipient of the 2024 Mental Health Champion of the Year Award, an honor bestowed upon public figures who use their work and fame “to advocate for mental health awareness and issues impacting LGBTQ+ young people.”
Previous recipients include Lil Nas X, Janelle Monáe and Dylan Mulvaney.
The 29-year-old pop superstar, who holds dual citizenship in the U.K. and Albania, is a massively influential artist with a large and passionate LGBTQ fan base known for her dance floor-ready bangers, cool-girl attitude and status as a powerful LGBTQ ally.
“The LGBTQ+ community have been my biggest champions since the start of my career,” Lipa said in a statement Tuesday, saying she was “unbelievably moved and honored” to be recognized by the nonprofit, which she said is “an organization that is near and dear to my heart.”
“I am humbled to play a part in shining a light on mental health awareness for LGBTQ+ young people,” she added. “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,” she said addressing the community.
For years, the Grammy-winning musician has used her platform to stand up for LGBTQ rights and fight against anti-LGBTQ hate — which she sees as her “duty.”
But besides her headline-grabbing LGBTQ allyship, Lipa is also a dedicated mental health advocate who often discusses her own struggles with anxiety, negativity, and overwhelming feelings — a combination that makes her “the ideal recipient for this year’s award,” according to Jaymes Black, the Trevor Project’s CEO.
“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 told the Daily News in an email, noting that her support comes at a time when opposition to LGBTQ rights in the U.S. hits never-before-seen levels.
On Nov. 6, following the outcome of the presidential election, The Trevor Project’s crisis services saw an overall volume increase of nearly 700% compared to the weeks prior.
On the day after the election, Lipa shared a link to the nonprofit’s crisis services with her nearly 88 million followers on Instagram,
“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,” she said Tuesday.
