Taylor Swift donated $113,000 to an LGBTQ organization along with a handwritten note, and we’re forever thankful.
Taylor Swift has been a music mogul for over a decade now. Critical milestones — career or otherwise — are typical resume bullets for Swift. Her multiple awards, chart-topping songs, and growing IMDb page prove there’s very little Swift can’t do (and making us stan her even more than we already do definitely isn’t apart of that sparse list).
When she isn’t busy reading lines for Cats or taking care of her adorable cats, the musician uses her platform to support and help others, especially in recent years. Recently, Taylor Swift donated to a Tennessee LGBTQIA+ advocacy group, and we can’t literarily express how much her support means to the LGBTQIA+ community.
As TIME reports, Swift donated $113,000 to the Tennessee Equality Project, along with a since handwritten letter that is making us too emotional for a Wednesday (or any other day of the week, for that matter).
Her note read:
"I’m writing you to say that I’m so inspired by the work you do, specifically in organizing the recent petition of Tennessee faith leaders standing up against the Slate of Hate in our state legislature. Please convey my heartfelt thanks to them and accept this donation to support the work you and these leaders are doing.I’m so grateful that they’re giving all people a place to worship."
Following the hateful anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in Tennessee and the rest of the U.S., Swift’s donation is a powerful gesture. Nonetheless, this isn’t the first time the singer has donated to important causes. In fact, women’s rights efforts, LGBTQIA+ rights groups, relief efforts, as well as fans’ medical funds or wishes are staples in her philanthropic efforts.
There is way too much focus on if this $113k donation for #LGBTQ equality should have remained private - Many people who go “Public” on donations get criticised but I believe it helps encourage others to donate - Kudos to #TaylorSwift and Thank You! 🏳️🌈👏 https://t.co/BN3X7phhOs
— Linda Riley (@LindaRiley8) April 10, 2019
As DIVA Magazine publisher Linda Riley notes, the publicity surrounding Swift’s donation is especially important because it can inspire others to donate to LGBTQIA+ organizations. Swift has an expansive amount of star power and she wields that power to help others and to make positive statements. After Swift’s public political endorsement during the midterm elections, experts claim her voice influenced the election, Billboard reports. By donating to an LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization, it’s easy to see how her actions can promote others to take action as well and help local LGBTQIA+ groups any way that they can.
Because of the breadth of her platform, Swift’s donation and genuine words of support are more than just a one-time contribution to the Tennessee Equality Project. Her impact could ripple throughout her fandom and promote others to follow, support, and even donate to the LGBTQIA+ advocacy group.
Regardless of the scale of Taylor Swift’s impact in regard to her $113,000 donation to the Tennessee Equality Project, we’re just glad she’s using her resources and platform to support the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Seriously, thanks, Swift.