Lady Gaga invaded snowy Cambridge, Massachusetts on Wednesday to launch her Born This Way Foundation at Harvard University. According to ABC News, the foundation’s goal is “to challenge meanness and cruelty by inspiring young people to create a support system in their respective communities.” But the foundation is not meant to just combat bullying but to “empower youth and promote bravery.” A crowd of over 1,000 listened as Gaga spoke passionately about the foundation’s cause:
“When you see someone being negative to somebody else, it’s OK to intervene and stand up for someone that needs it … I don’t believe that one person can change the world. I believe that humankind, as a whole, can change the world.”
A ” Born Brave Bus ” will follow Mother Monster’s tour bus around the US and will invite “anyone from all walks of life” on it to discuss love, acceptance and kindness. Even if one does not have a ticket to her show, fans can still hang on the bus.
Gaga’s mother, Cynthia Germanotta, will serve as the foundation’s president. At the Harvard launch, Gaga was also joined by Oprah Winfrey, author Deepak Chopra, and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Also in attendance was Alyssa Rodemeyer , sister of Jamey Rodemeyer who was a huge Lady Gaga fan and took his own life in Buffalo, NY as the result of being bullied. Gaga dedicated her song “Hair” to Jamey at the I Heart Radio music festival.
Bravo Lady Gaga for planning on creating “a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated!”
More information about The Born This Way Foundation can be found at its website bornthiswayfoundation.org.
