Springfield’s GLO Center is receiving significant support from Grammy Award-winning popstar Chappell Roan through her newly launched nonprofit, The Midwest Princess Project. Born in Willard, Missouri, Roan’s initiative is dedicated to uplifting trans youth and the broader LGBTQ+ community by providing resources, care, and fostering connection. According to the project’s website, the GLO Center will be the primary recipient of these funds within Missouri, marking an important investment in local queer youth services.
The initial funding for The Midwest Princess Project comes from Roan’s Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things pop-up shows, staged in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Kansas City. Beyond Missouri, the nonprofit also supports noteworthy organisations including the Trans Wellness Center and TransLatin Coalition in Los Angeles, as well as the Ali Forney Center and The Center in New York City. This geographical spread underscores Roan’s commitment to nationwide support for LGBTQ+ causes. While the exact financial allocation to the GLO Center has not been disclosed, Aaron Schekorra, the GLO Center’s executive director, emphasised that the funds will primarily focus on programmes targeted at queer youth, reflecting Roan’s priorities. Additionally, Schekorra noted that these resources would enable the centre to extend support beyond Springfield, broadening their impact to other parts of Missouri.
The Midwest Princess Project has already raised over $400,000, based on an Instagram update from Roan herself. The popstar assured supporters that almost every dollar raised, after minimal administrative costs, would be channeled directly to the beneficiary organisations. This marks a significant continuation of Roan’s philanthropic efforts; she has previously supported the GLO Center, and this new initiative consolidates and expands that relationship. Schekorra described the collaboration as exceptional, particularly for a small four-person organisation mostly operated by volunteers, to receive backing from a high-profile artist recognized internationally.
Roan’s pop-up shows have attracted considerable attention for their blend of artistic expression and activism. The Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things tour includes exclusive, intimate performances in New York, Kansas City, and Pasadena, promoted through her official channels and partnerships with sponsors like Live Nation, Cash App, and Visa. These shows offer discounted tickets for Cash App Visa cardholders and dedicate a portion of ticket sales to trans youth organisations, reinforcing the philanthropic underpinning of the events. Roan has expressed excitement about performing in these cities prior to taking time off to work on her next album, ensuring these tours carry both artistic and social significance. The integration of local drag artists as special guests further celebrates queer culture and community engagement.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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