The Trevor Project has named Grammy-nominated musician, actor and author Janelle Monáe the “Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year” for their “unwavering commitment” to championing LGBTQ+ mental health awareness.
Monáe, who uses both gender-neutral and female pronouns, is the second person to be honored by The Trevor Project, a national LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization. The rapper Lil Nas X, who is openly gay, won the group’s inaugural award last year.
The honor is given annually to influential public figures that lift up the LGBTQ+ community, spread mental health awareness and remind queer youth that “they are not alone,” The Trevor Project said Tuesday in a news release announcing Monáe’s win.
“Queer representation in the media can have a life-saving impact on LGBTQ young people, and Janelle Monáe is the embodiment of unapologetic self-expression,” Josh Weaver, vice president of marketing at The Trevor Project, said Tuesday.
“Throughout their career, Janelle has been a trailblazer who constantly challenges the status quo – from their depictions of queer love in their music videos, to their iconic, gender nonconforming style, they continue to redefine the rules around how LGBTQ and BIPOC people can navigate through life,” Weaver said.
