January 23, 2012; Source: Xperedon Charity News | Stefani Germanotta, commonly known as pop music sensation Lady Gaga, is partnering with Harvard University and well known foundations to launch her new anti-bullying charity, the Born This Way Foundation, on February 29 at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre. The charity will focus on critical issues impacting youth around the world: self-confidence, anti-bullying, well-being, mentoring and career development.
Born This Way will place heavy emphasis on combating the bullying of LGBT youth, an issue the celebrity has promoted throughout her career (the pop star is currently nominated for outstanding music artist by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). Gaga also aims to use digital communications tools to spread a message of integration and acceptance.
In addition to Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Born This Way is also partnering with the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the California Endowment.
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Gaga’s mother, Cynthia Germanotta, who plans to attend the Harvard launch event, commented on her daughter’s nonprofit: “She has experienced many of the struggles that our youth encounter today, and identifies with the lasting effects they can have without proper support. Together, we look forward to creating a new movement that will engage and empower youth and accept them as valuable members of our society.”
Lady Gaga is on a philanthropic roll, topping the list of 2011’s most charitable celebrities, and the Born This Way Foundation seems to be starting off on promising ground with heavy support from renowned foundations and a clear, direct mission. NPQ looks forward to seeing how this charity aims to address youth empowerment and bullying, and how it will implement concrete results. –Aine Creedon
