In the glitz and glamor of it all, with every spoken word making headlines, some celebrities use their fame for more than just self-promotion. They become advocates of causes close to their hearts, many of whom recognize that LGBT+ rights are important. These stars aren’t just allies; they are supporters using their fame to make a difference by having conversations that shift policies and change the world for good.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga isn’t just a pop sensation. She’s a force of nature in the fight for LGBT rights. Her “Born This Way” anthem became an instant rallying cry with the LGBT community due to its message of self-acceptance and love. But Gaga’s advocacy doesn’t stop at music.
She founded the Born This Way Foundation to empower youth, mental health, and LGBT issues. Gaga walks unapologetically herself and encourages others to do so. It’s not just her standing in support of the community that makes her an activist; it’s standing as part of it. And just as people might place their bets on a game or an event on this website, Gaga’s unwavering commitment to LGBT rights is something you can always count on.
Gaga takes her influence into her public appearances, speaking against discrimination and encouraging fans to stand up for equality. At the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, she took a stand to repeal the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which touched the hearts of many to turn this law around. Gaga proved that her influence was real, and as such, she has remained the torchbearer of hope to large sections of the LGBT community.
Ellen DeGeneres
Before Ellen DeGeneres came out on her sitcom in 1997, the representation of LGBT individuals on television was almost nonexistent. That historic moment wasn’t just a career risk; it was a pivotal moment within the cultural landscape. Ellen’s coming-out episode, titled “The Puppy Episode,” was watched by millions and created national conversations about LGBT visibility.
But Ellen didn’t stop there. She has used her platform as a talk show host to promote LGBT rights by inviting numerous LGBT guests and discussing relevant themes and issues of concern to the community.
Ellen’s impact extends into lives even beyond the screen. She is a vocal and open marriage equality advocate. In fact, she showed public support for this movement far ahead of when it became legal in the United States.
Marrying Portia de Rossi in 2008 was a bold statement on love and equality, and she has continued to use her celebrity status in seeking acceptance and understanding. Ellen’s road wasn’t easy, but through many struggles, she’s been able to be almost a forerunner in many ways so others can live authentically.
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan may have started as a YouTube sensation, but now he’s a global pop star with a mission. Much like the openly gay artist, Sivan uses his platform and music for the greater good: fighting for LGBT people, especially young ones. His songs often reflect love, identity, and acceptance—something with which fans deeply relate by seeing themselves through his lyrics.
Sivan is also a vocal advocate for mental health, knowing that there are particular issues that LGBT youth face. He has used his platform to support organizations such as The Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBT young people.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is an artist who refuses to be placed in any box, either in her music or her identity. Being pansexual and non-binary, Monáe became one of the most visible figures for the movement for LGBT+ rights, mainly in the Black and queer communities. Her music and public persona challenge the conventional understanding of gender and sexuality, which empowers others to embrace their true selves.
The performance isn’t the end of advocacy for Monáe. She has taken part in a myriad of activities concerning LGBT campaigns, from speaking against discriminatory laws and policies to the very celebration of queer identity and freedom in her 2018 album, “Dirty Computer,” offering a vision of a world where everybody is accepted for their own sake. Janelle Monáe isn’t just making music; she’s making history.
The Power of Celebrity Advocacy
Celebrities remind us that fame can be more than a spotlight but a beacon of hope, guiding all toward a more inclusive and accepting future. It’s not about being an ally when celebrities come out to speak, create art, and live authentically; it is about being fighters in the struggle for equality. The reach goes way beyond the fan bases to touch policy, inspire movements, and change lives. By doing this, they show us all the real power of using your platform for good.
