The Trevor Project, a leading LGBTQ+ suicide prevention organization, has presented rapper Megan Thee Stallion with its Mental Health Champion of the Year Award. This recognition highlights her consistent efforts to support mental wellness, particularly through initiatives like her online resource hub, BadBitchesHaveBadDaysToo.com, which offers vital information and support for individuals seeking mental health assistance. The award announcement coincides with World Mental Health Day, underscoring the importance of her advocacy.
Key Takeaways
- Megan Thee Stallion received The Trevor Project's Mental Health Champion of the Year Award.
- Her advocacy includes the BadBitchesHaveBadDaysToo.com wellness hub.
- The award aligns with World Mental Health Day.
- Previous honorees include Dua Lipa, Dylan Mulvaney, Janelle Monáe, and Lil Nas X.
- Megan has openly discussed her own mental health struggles and supported LGBTQ+ youth.
Megan Thee Stallion's Dedication to Mental Health
Megan Thee Stallion has used her public platform to address mental health challenges openly. Her initiative, BadBitchesHaveBadDaysToo.com, launched in 2022, serves as a comprehensive online resource. This hub provides access to therapy directories, crisis hotlines, and information about various mental health organizations, including The Trevor Project.
The rapper's commitment to this cause stems from her personal experiences. Following a high-profile shooting incident in 2020 and subsequent legal proceedings, Megan became vocal about the psychological impact she faced. Her transparency has resonated with many, encouraging open conversations about mental well-being.
"My goal has always been to use my platform to help break stigmas around mental health and provide resources for those seeking safe spaces to have honest and heartfelt conversations. Mental health impacts all of us, so it’s important to lead with love and empathy."
— Megan Thee Stallion
Breaking Stigmas and Providing Support
In 2023, Megan Thee Stallion joined the Ad Council’s "Seize the Awkward" campaign. This campaign aims to reduce mental health stigma among young people. In a public service announcement for the campaign, she shared a personal message about the pressure to always appear strong.
Her message emphasized that it is acceptable to not be okay and highlighted the importance of reaching out for support. She stated, "I’ve always been told I gotta be strong. Thick-skinned. Stiff upper lip. Tough as nails. But to be everything for everybody – it wears on you."
Important Fact
The Trevor Project's Mental Health Champion of the Year Award was established in 2021. It recognizes public figures who significantly contribute to mental health awareness and support, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth.
In 2024, Megan continued her advocacy by participating in the California Department of Public Health’s "Never A Bother" youth suicide prevention campaign. This was the same year she released her song "Cobra," which candidly addressed her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts. Her willingness to share her journey through both her music and public campaigns demonstrates a consistent dedication to this critical issue.
Impact on LGBTQ+ Youth and Community
The Trevor Project specifically highlighted Megan Thee Stallion's impact on Black LGBTQ+ youth. This demographic faces some of the highest rates of discrimination and mental health challenges. Her advocacy provides a vital role model for these communities.
Context on Youth Mental Health
According to reports from The Trevor Project, 39 percent of LGBTQ+ young people considered attempting suicide in the past year. This rate increases to 46 percent for transgender and nonbinary youth. LGBTQ+ youth of color reported higher rates than their white peers, with 21 percent of Black transgender and nonbinary young people reporting a suicide attempt in the past year. These statistics underscore the urgent need for mental health resources and supportive role models.
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, praised Megan Thee Stallion's honesty and advocacy. Black stated that Megan's activism extends beyond words, creating "real, tangible resources for vulnerable communities that are too often overlooked or left behind."
"Megan Thee Stallion is a mental health champion in every sense of the word. Her raw honesty, bold advocacy, and deep love for her community make her an extraordinary role model – particularly for Black LGBTQ+ youth, who face some of the highest rates of discrimination, mental health challenges, and suicide risk."
— Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project
Embracing and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
Throughout her career, Megan Thee Stallion has openly embraced and supported LGBTQ+ communities. She has also been open about her own queerness. On her third studio album, Megan, she explicitly references her attraction to both men and women in her song "Broke His Heart."
This openness further solidifies her connection with the LGBTQ+ community and reinforces her message of acceptance and self-love. Her actions and words aim to create a more inclusive and understanding environment for everyone, particularly those who may feel marginalized.
Previous Award Recipients
- Dua Lipa
- Dylan Mulvaney
- Janelle Monáe
- Lil Nas X
These artists have also been recognized for their contributions to mental health advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Ongoing Advocacy and Future Impact
Megan Thee Stallion's recognition by The Trevor Project highlights the ongoing need for mental health awareness and resources. Her platform continues to serve as a powerful tool for change, encouraging vulnerable populations to seek help and fostering a more empathetic society.
Her efforts are particularly important at a time when LGBTQ+ young people face challenges in accessing life-saving resources. The Trevor Project emphasizes that Megan's voice is not only powerful but also essential in this landscape. Her work is expected to have a lasting impact for generations to come.
The rapper's commitment to mental wellness, combined with her artistic expression, creates a comprehensive approach to advocacy. This approach helps to normalize conversations around mental health and ensures that resources are available to those who need them most.
