Selena Gomez

We’re featuring Selena Gomez, an American born singer of Mexican heritage. Many of you likely grew up watching her on TV and in movies, and maybe even found her on Instagram, where she has 346 million followers. Her fame and broad reach have helped her become an advocate for people with disabilities. Gomez has lupus and has openly shared her journey with her physical health, helping people understand the condition, and has been an advocate for mental health, sharing her own experience. Her company, Rare Beauty, donates a portion of sales to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports access to mental health services. Gomez also co-founded Wondermind, which promotes conversation around and daily practice of mental wellness.

Her vulnerability and candor on such a large platform have inspired many and educated some of her followers. Here are a few examples of the ways that Selena Gomez has brought visibility to disabilities:

• How Selena is helping to educate about lupus
• Speech at Lupus Gala in 2017 (supporting LRA)
• Check out responses to Selena’s impact in this article
• More about advocacy efforts and reducing stigma around therapy
• Her JUST released trailer for her documentary about her mental health (the timing is impeccable)