Ariana Grande.Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty
Ariana Grandeis taking a stand for human rights.
The 28-year-old singer revealed on Instagram Thursday that she will “be matching all funds raised up to $1,500,000” ina fundraiser she has createdin conjunction withPledge, “to support organizations providing direct services and advocating for the rights of trans youth.”
“Right now there are hundreds of disgraceful bills pending in state legislature that target trans youth and aim to curb their rights. This will provide critical funds to organizations advocating for the rights of trans youth,” Grande added.
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Grande went on to reveal that “all funds raised will be split evenly between benefiting organizations,” including Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, Equality Florida, Tennessee Equality Project, Transanta and over a dozen more.
Meanwhile, Alabama, Arkansas, Grande’s native Florida, Idaho, Iowa,Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia have implemented bans against transgender athletes.
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Grande’s fundraiser comes as PresidentJoe Bidenalso marked Transgender Day of Visibility with a message to transgender Americans and an announcement of new measures aimed at supporting them.
Among themeasures unveiled this weekare a new “X” gender marker on U.S. passport applications beginning April 11, new Transportation Security Administration scanners that are gender-neutral and more resources for transgender kids and their families.
Ina videotaped statementposted to Twitter Thursday, Biden, 79, addressed transgender Americans directly, saying, “Our entire administration sees you for who you are: made in the image of God and deserving of dignity, respect and support.”
Thepresident later addressed"an onslaught of anti-transgender state laws," calling them “simply wrong.” He added, in part, “To any transgender American who’s struggling, please know you’re not alone. To parents and children alike, please ask for help. And know this: You’re so brave. You belong. And we have your back.”
source: people.com
