Katy Perry Hero Award Acceptance Speech at Trevor Live

Katy Perry was presented with the Trevor Hero Award at Trevor Live on December 2, 2012 at the Hollywood Palladium.

As an ally for the LGBTQ community, Katy has supported equality and the freedom to marry. Through her video “Firework,” she inspires LGBT youth to find their spark, and in all things, Katy strives to let young people know they have value, and by being themselves, they can be anything.

Katy has been involved with The Trevor Project for two years. She has dedicated songs and performances to LGBT youth in crisis, and inspires LGBT youth to be proud of who they are. Most recently, Katy spent Transgender Day of Remembrance with Trevor staff and volunteers to learn more about the unique challenges faced by transgender and gender non-conforming youth. It’s not only what she has done to inspire and empower, but her commitment to being a better, stronger ally for LGBT youth that makes Katy Perry a Trevor Hero.

“I believe in change – it’s not about judging, it’s about educating. I believe that sexuality is fluid. I hope in the future that we will all grow beyond labels. Everyone has value; Everyone deserves respect; and Everyone deserves the chance to live their dream, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I hope all LGBTQ youth know that they are as valuable as anyone else. That they are amazing and unique, and make the world a more vibrant place. I want every young person to choose to have a tomorrow, and to dream for the future. My mantra has been, ‘Be yourself, and you can be anything.’ Thank you for this award, and thank you for educating me so that I can educate others.” -Katy Perry

Trevor Live presented by Audi of America and Wells Fargo is a signature annual event of The Trevor Project, bringing together top entertainers and corporate leaders to support the organization’s life-saving, life-affirming work for LGBTQ youth in crisis. For more info, visit http://TheTrevorProject.org.