Shortly after Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old who found inspiration through Lady Gaga's songs, committed suicide in Buffalo, NY after being bullied for his sexuality, the singer took to Twitter to express her anger and frustration over the non-existent bullying laws in the country.
"The past days I've spent reflecting, crying, and yelling. I have so much anger," Lady Gaga tweeted. "It is hard to feel love when cruelty takes someones life....Bullying must become illegal. It is a hate crime. I am meeting with our President. I will not stop fighting. This must end."
Now she's one-upped her stance against bullying by announcing her new Born This Way Foundation that will empower youth through programs and initiatives that foster confidence, acceptance, and kindness towards one another.
"BTWF will focus on youth empowerment and equality by addressing issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development and will utilize digital mobilization as one of the means to create positive change," the foundation states.
Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, will direct the non-profit, named after one of Lady Gaga's hit songs. The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the California Endowment, and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University are also part of the initiative.
"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," Lady Gaga said.
The Born This Way Foundation will officially launch in 2012.