Ariana Grande has pledged to match $1.5 million (£1.1 million) in donations to help transgender youth
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Ariana Grande has pledged to match $1.5 million (£1.1 million) in donations to help transgender youth.
The Thank U Next singer, 28, announced on Thursday, which marked Trans Day of Visibility, that she would match contributions made to 18 organisations who provide direct help and support for trans people in the US.
Grande’s total fundraising goal is $3 million (£2.2 million) with those looking to benefit including the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, Equality Florida, Gendernexus, House Of Tulip and Jasmyn.
The former Nickelodeon star said: “Please join me in donating to this fund I’ve created to support organisations providing direct services and advocating for the rights of trans youth!”
Her action comes after Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signed a controversial new bill called the Parental Rights in Education Bill which came in effect on Monday.
Dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” by opponents, the new ruling makes it illegal for public school teachers in Florida to discuss sexual orientation or gender identity with students.
Similar bills have passed in other states. On Wednesday, Oklahoma introduced the Save Women’s Sports Act.
The bill states student-athletes may only play on sports teams matching their biological sex.
Arizona has passed two bills; the Senate Bill 1138 restricts “irreversible” gender surgery for anyone in the state under the age of 18.
The second bans transgender women from competing on women’s teams at public schools, colleges and universities across Arizona.
Grande spoke her mind on the bills saying: “Right now there are hundreds of disgraceful bills pending in state legislature that target trans youth and aim to curb their rights.
“This will provide critical funds to organizations advocating for the rights of trans youth.”
