Youth's Lives Every Day
The Grammy-nominated global pop star is recognized for her longstanding LGBTQ+ advocacy, allyship, and commitment to championing mental health, joy, belonging, and unapologetic self-expression
October 9, 2026 – In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people, proudly honors Grammy-nominated global pop star Zara Larsson with its 2026 Mental Health Champion of the Year Award, celebrating her longstanding advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and her openness about mental health, as well as her commitment to creating spaces rooted in freedom, authenticity, and belonging.
The annual award spotlights influential public figures who use their voices to challenge stigma, shift culture, and advocate for the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ young people.
Throughout her career, Larsson has been an outspoken ally to the LGBTQ+ community, consistently using her platform to champion equality, freedom, and self-expression. She has publicly spoken out in support of transgender people and trans rights, headlined major Pride celebrations, and frequently credited her LGBTQ+ fans for the profound influence they have had on her music and creativity. Across her music, performances, and advocacy, Larsson has worked to create spaces where LGBTQ+ people feel celebrated and free to be unapologetically themselves.
Larsson has also used her platform to speak candidly about mental health and help destigmatize conversations around seeking support. She partnered with Maybelline’s Brave Together mental health initiative in 2024 and has spoken openly about her own experiences with her own mental health, including the importance of having a strong support system.
“I’ve never understood the idea of having a platform and not using it to speak up about the things you believe in,” said Zara Larsson. “LGBTQ+ people have shown me so much love throughout my career, and I want young people in this community to know that I see them, I support them, and they should always feel free to be exactly who they are. I’m incredibly honored to receive this award and proud to stand alongside The Trevor Project in supporting LGBTQ+ young people.”
Zara Larsson is the sixth honoree to receive the award, following Megan Thee Stallion (2025), Dua Lipa (2024), Dylan Mulvaney (2023), Janelle Monáe (2022) and Lil Nas X (2021).
“Zara Larsson has built a career around the idea that joy, self-expression, and being unapologetically yourself are things worth celebrating,” said Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project. “She has consistently stood alongside LGBTQ+ people, championed LGBTQ+ voices within her own creative community, and used her platform to make clear that everyone deserves the freedom to live openly and authentically. Just as importantly, she has been willing to speak candidly about her own mental health and the importance of asking for and accepting support. For LGBTQ+ young people searching for signs that the world has a place for them — and that they do not have to navigate difficult moments alone — having someone with Zara’s global reach show up with that kind of honesty and conviction matters.”
This year’s award comes at a critical time for LGBTQ+ young people across the country. Research from The Trevor Project’s 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People continues to highlight the serious mental health challenges LGBTQ+ young people face, the negative impacts of anti-LGBTQ+ policies on LGBTQ+ youth wellbeing, and the profound difference that supportive environments can make.
According to The Trevor Project’s research:
- 1 in 10 LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year.
- 36% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including 40% of transgender and nonbinary young people.
- 44% of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care were unable to access it.
- 90% of LGBTQ+ young people said recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws, policies and debates caused them stress or anxiety.
- LGBTQ+ young people who live in very accepting communities attempt suicide at less than one-third the rate of those who live in very unaccepting communities.
The Trevor Project’s research consistently shows that LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their identities. Rather, they are placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. Supportive families, schools, communities, and public figures can all play a meaningful role in helping LGBTQ+ young people thrive.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.
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