Singer and activist Hayley Kiyoko, AKA Lesbian Jesus, has been announced as the recipient of the Trevor Project's annual Youth Innovator Award, recognising her “commitment to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people.”
According to , the Trevor Project, a US-based LGBTIQ+ youth suicide prevention organisation, is celebrating Kiyoko for “using her voice in the music industry to shine a light” on the LGBTQ+ community - with a particular nod to the pop star's 2016 single 'One Bad Night', which shone a spotlight on the ongoing epidemic of violence against trans women.
Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of the Trevor Project, described Kiyoko as a strong role model for young LGBTIQ+ people.
“Hayley embraces her identity as a strength, serving as a role model for LGBTQ+ youth around the world,” Paley said in a statement.
“We’re so excited to honor her at TrevorLive LA and celebrate 21 years of saving young LGBTQ+ lives.”
“Through songwriting and directing music videos, I have been able to share my personal experiences of love and identity with an audience that has struggled with mainstream representation in pop music over the years,” Kiyoko said in a statement responding to the news.
“My biggest goal is always to inspire hope.”
The star, who has , continued: “I’m honoured to be recognised by The Trevor Project, an organisation that’s helping to bridge the isolation youth feel in crisis."
She added: "Growing up I felt the isolation of being different, so I am beyond grateful for the work they do, because creating a safe space can truly help people feel less alone.”
Previous award recipients include YouTuber Tyler Oakley and trans author, activist and TV personality Jazz Jennings.
