Lady Gaga Launches 'Born This Way Foundation' With MacArthur, Harvard To Fight Bullying

NEW YORK — Lady Gaga is launching a foundation with the help of the MacArthur Foundation and Harvard University.

The Grammy-winning singer announced Wednesday that she is launching the Born This Way Foundation, a nonprofit focusing on youth empowerment and "issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development."

Gaga's partners include the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The California Endowment and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.

The foundation will be directed by the 25-year-old singer and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta.

"Together we hope to establish a standard of Bravery and Kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment," Gaga said in a statement.

The multiplatinum singer is known for speaking out for others. She recently said she wanted to meet with President Barack Obama to discuss her concerns over bullying, and she visited Maine last year to support the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays.

She has won Grammys, released three platinum efforts – including her latest album, "Born This Way" – and has a massive online presence: The singer has over 15 million Twitter followers and 44 million Facebook fans.

"Lady Gaga will help empower and give voice to young people who find themselves overwhelmed, undersupported, disconnected, isolated, bullied, or struggling," said Dr. Bob Ross, the CEO and president of The California Endowment. "This brand of leadership is sorely needed in today's world."

The official launch for the Born This Way Foundation will be next year, and an advisory board will be announced soon.

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Online:

http://www.bornthiswayfoundation.org

http://www.ladygaga.com

Comments

[iLdoRight]

06:13 AM on 11/30/2011

I believe "Cultivated To Be This Way" is the more likely honest assessment. There are those who like to grow tomatoes and those who like to have a lot of children to receive that perfect child's love that is so warm and genuine. There are those who are caught up in the "getting fans game". There are those who want safety and approval with amassing numbers of "think a-likes". As a child I knew when someone was trying to manipulate me into something they wanted to see me be. Today I can see others trying to manipulate others into being what they want others to be. While a young boy or girl may be vulnerable due to being a "late bloomer" type or from being a neglected or home abused child, that does not mean they were "born that way". People like some say Jerry Sandusky is know how to spot the vulnerable child and try to take advantage of them, cultivating them into a sexual object. Will all the people who are trying to be "good people" please raise their hand. Will all the people who don't really know the rules for being a "good person" please take their hand down.

[marcopolitic]

02:24 PM on 11/08/2011

Doesnt matter people bully people.everyday

[jaggeththewires]

08:53 PM on 11/07/2011

We are born this way. Duh! Hence the need for us ALL to be born again!

[BrendaNYC]

08:35 AM on 11/06/2011

I applaud efforts to give voice to those who may feel silenced (in this case the bullied.) But I do wonder if we are not seeing the forest for the trees. Much of what has garnered our attention recently (i.e., bullying, college readiness. children and media exposure) is closely linked to adults abdicating their chronologically mandated position of power. Too many of us grown-ups are cowered by little people. Discipline is not abuse. Boundaries are not shackles. I natter more here: http://heresheisboys.com/2011/08/31/because-i-said-so-thats-why/

[GaryNOVA]

03:42 PM on 11/04/2011

I'ld like to offer my story and how i dealt with bullying growing up in highschool­.

My mother and me moved from New Jersey to California mid highschool when I was younger. Things were fine at first however I began being bullied by a group of kids from a local karate dojo after befriendin­g one of their cheerleade­r ex-girlfri­ends. After things went from bad to worse I was fortunate enough to befriend my eccentric but kindly okinawan immigrant neighbor who taught me over time the fundamenta­ls of karate. Things came to a head when I decided to compete against my bullies at the 'All Valley Karate Tournement­'. Despite injuring my leg as a result of an illegal leg sweep, I was able to win the tournement­, earning the respect of my bullies as well as rebuild my self confidense­.

I hope my story was motivation­al

[RedneckSamurai]

09:37 AM on 11/04/2011

An act to be commended, yet she looks like Marilyn Manson from his Sweet Dreams video...

[zucchero81]

12:03 PM on 11/03/2011

But what exactly will this foundation do? There was nothing concrete in that article.

[bunnieman]

10:50 AM on 11/03/2011

Why? Do you think that advocacy for victims of bullying is indicative of mental defectiveness?

[hackerblaster]

07:33 AM on 11/03/2011

I am gaga for Gaga.

[nicko68]

07:25 AM on 11/03/2011

I would guess she ate lead paint chips when she was a child.

[AndyPhx]

04:51 AM on 11/03/2011

Not a fan of her music. I am a fan of her humanity.

Gay kids, "nerds", anyone not in the A or B crowd are bullied every day.

1 out of 3 kids who commit suicide are gay. This should alarm everyone.

If the so-called Family Research Council were followers of Christ as they claim to be then they should do an about face to support kids no matter where they are in their development.

[rewith85man]

02:33 AM on 11/03/2011

THANK GOD FOR LADY GAGA. IF PEOPLE CAN LOVE HER FOR HER ODDNESS, THEN WHY CAN'T THEY DO THE SAME FOR OTHER UNIQUE PEOPLE?

[rewith85man]

02:31 AM on 11/03/2011

The gays are not the only ones who love this woman. I do even though I am attracted to only females.

[AndyPhx]

04:48 AM on 11/03/2011

You're the man! Thank you for being a good role model for young men as well as grown men who should be mature enough to be secure in their person. Cheers!

Fan.

[Chuck Lewis]

02:20 AM on 11/03/2011

Lady Gaga is ga-ga-gorgeous! Aside from her amazing edgy sexuality-enhanced persona, she has a conscience. Her performance at Hollywood Bowl for the Clinton Foundation was the best I have seen. Perhaps it was the charged air, but really, she is positive without being political (unless you see politics in everything, in which case, get help)! Refreshing.

[thereisonlyoneparty]

02:01 AM on 11/03/2011

The irony with all of this is that Lady GaGa's fans are all little bullies. Any state considered negative of GaGa is viewed as opening attack in some battle. Her fans will attack those who criticize her. Their response is is not going to be pretty or nice or otherwise non-bullyous.

[Chuck Lewis]

02:21 AM on 11/03/2011

Why would you "attack" Gaga instead of be critical of her? Also, know that there is a fringe in every persuasion.

[thereisonlyoneparty]

09:24 AM on 11/03/2011

"Attack" should be enquoted. Any criticism of GaGa is viewed as being worthy of a personal attack.