Ariana Grande is an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, using her fanbase and 328 million Instagram followers to advocate for the cause. In April, she created the Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund with pledge to fundraise and support organizations providing direct services and advocating for the rights of trans youth - matching all funds raised to 1.5 million dollars.
Of the many organizations that will be receiving funds, Jacksonville-based JASMYN is one of them! JASMYN's mission is to: support the empowerment of LGBTQIA+ young people through leadership, advocacy, resources and a safe and affirming community.
JASMYN told News4JAX that it now gets monthly checks from the fundraiser and has received more than $147,000 so far.
Grande’s generous donation will be used to expand programs for students, including more on-campus support, satellite groups, support for student GSAs and connections to an onsite mental health program.
For more about JASMYN's services, visit: JASMYN.org.