The Panic! at the Disco star has teamed up with GLSEN in a bid to create LGBT clubs in high schools across the U.S.
- Jun 30, 2018
AceShowbiz - Singer Brendon Urie is donating $1 million (£757,000) to a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) charity to help launch a bold new initiative for teenagers.
The Panic! at the Disco star has teamed up with bosses at non-profit organisation GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) in a bid to create GSA (Gender & Sexuality/Gay-Straight Alliance) clubs in high schools across the U.S.
Brendon couldn't be prouder of his substantial pledge, which he is making through his newly launched Highest Hopes Foundation, noting the initiative fosters the kind of loving tolerance he has witnessed among his community of Panic! at the Disco fans for years.
"For years my fans have inspired me with their determination and creativity as they have created a safe and inclusive community," the 31-year-old writes in a statement to Rolling Stone magazine. "I felt the time had come for me to join them boldly, to bring that energy and power to bear on the huge challenges facing our whole society."
The GLSEN charity is the first beneficiary of the Highest Hopes Foundation, which Kinky Boots star Brendon announced on Thursday (28Jun18). He launched foundation to provide funds to groups fighting discrimination and abuse.
We are honored to be the Higher Hopes Foundation’s first grantee, with a million dollar pledge by @brendonurie to support student-led GSAs! Join P!@TD & GLSEN in support of #LGBTQ youth at https://t.co/Bz56joIyDu@PanicAtTheDisco@brendonuriepic.twitter.com/0OLMZEUCo0
— GLSEN (@GLSEN) June 29, 2018
The non-profit will support "communities subject to discrimination or abuse on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity", according to the singer.
Panic! at the Disco will allocate $1 of each ticket from U.S. dates on their upcoming Pray For the Wicked Tour to the Highest Hopes Foundation.