Hello Friend,

We’re excited for you to be one of the first to hear: The Trevor Project is honoring Grammy-nominated global superstar Janelle Monáe (they/them, she/her) as the recipient of our 2022 Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award, which recognizes influential public figures for their unwavering commitment to LGBTQ mental health awareness.

The singer-songwriter, entertainer, and author has been a longtime champion for the LGBTQ community and conversations around mental health. In a recent interview with CNN, Monáe explained, “my natural instinct has always been to stand up to bullies, and to protect the ones who are trying to just live and love in peace and in their authentic selves.”

Over the years, the multi-hyphenate artist has proudly and openly shared their personal journey around their sexual orientation and gender identity, coming out as pansexual in 2018 and nonbinary this past April. We are proud to honor Janelle Monáe’s brave discussion of their journey, their advocacy, and their commitment to using their platform to elevate the voices and experiences of marginalized people.

September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and there is still so much crucial work to do to end suicide among LGBTQ youth. According to our recent National Survey, 45% of LGBTQ seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, with LGBTQ youth of color reporting higher rates of suicide than their white peers.

Janelle Monáe is committed to supporting The Trevor Project, our mission, and representing the community: “We, as LGBTQ folks, as people of color, are a powerful and unstoppable community. I want every young queer person out there to know that I see you, you are beautiful in all of your forms, and you are never, ever alone in this world. As someone who has dealt with depression and anxiety, prioritizing and protecting your mental health is everything.”

We could not be more thrilled to honor Janelle Monáe with our second-ever Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award.

Read more about Janelle Monáe and our Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award >>

Thank you to Janelle Monáe and to you, Friend, for being a part of our community.