For Gay Pride Month, Billboard asked numerous pop culture luminaries to write “love letters” to the LGBTQ community. Below, singer-songwriter and actress Sabrina Carpenter shares hers. Read more Pride Month love letters here.
This month celebrates some of my best friends, members of my family, many of the people that surround me in my everyday life and most importantly many of my fans. The LGBTQ+ community has influenced who I am not only as an artist, but more importantly as a person. You are some of the most fearless people on the planet. You have not had it easy in any way, overcoming backlash and bigotry left and right on a personal level and on a much broader spectrum.
To my family members and others who aren’t here anymore, you left such a mark on the world. You bravely stood up and fought for the right to live your life honestly and openly. To the openly LGBTQ+ artists, thank you for being a face and voice for this younger generation who will not accept anything other than equality on every level. I am so proud to stand beside you.
I’ve been so fortunate that many of my LGBTQ+ fans have felt comfortable enough to confide in me and tell me their stories. When you come to my shows with pride flags, screaming the lyrics at the top of your lungs, I hope you feel an overwhelming rush of love and safety. You set an example for all of us. You have shown that the word “love” is not defined by anything society or the government determines.
Let us not celebrate you all for only this Pride Month, but spread this love, kindness and open-hearted spirit that you wear on your sleeves every day.
