Selena Gomez On Sharing Her Struggles To Help Others As She Becomes ‘People Of The Year’

This year, Selena Gomez has revealed her new sense of purpose as she becomes People of the Year. She is one of the four stars who are celebrated as People’s People of the Year.

The singer released her highly-anticipated third studio album, Rare. It turns out to be her most soulful album to have debuted at No.1. She had to shut down her promotion plans for her album as the pandemic had begun to send everything under lockdown.

During the protests for the Black Lives Matter movement, the world was at unrest as protests against police brutality began. The Rare singer had handed her Instagram account to activists like Black Lives Matters co-creator Alicia Garza and Black Trans Circles founder Raquel Willis.

Talking about handing her platform to the powerful voices, she said it was a no brainer for her. She shared that learning from the best people made sense to her. The singer went ahead to open up about her struggles with depression and anxiety. She shared how she initially felt hopeless and was unable to get out of bed.

However, she launched her makeup line, Rare Beauty back in September and committed to raising almost $100 million in the next 10 years. The money will be raised to provide for mental health resources for underserved communities.

“I don’t feel like Rare Beauty would have been [possible] three or four years ago. I understand now how it feels to be on the other side, comparing myself or thinking I need to look more like this or more like that to fit in,” says the entertainer.

“When it came to telling people to vote, I felt like it was my duty”

She shared that it can take a toll on everyone as everybody is not the same and are not meant to be the same. The Rare Beauty founder revealed she is 1000 percent on the journey with the consumers. She added how it is not easy for everybody and she wants people to know they are not alone.

Before the elections, Selena became very vocal about voting as she was exercising her right to vote for the first time as well. She also encouraged the messages of women who inspired her including Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, and Stacey Abrams.

“I’ve had a sliver of dealing with [racism] growing up, especially with my dad [who is Mexican]. When it came to telling people to vote, I felt like it was my duty,” she says. “Witnessing strong women who have walked journeys that I couldn’t imagine walking was such a pinch-me moment, and I’m just very grateful.”

Kamala Harris had revealed back in October, how grateful she is for Selena Gomez. The Vice-President talked to the singer at the time as she asked her why she chose to vote this time.

Harris took to Twitter to share the video with Selena and her conversation. She captioned it writing, “Your health isn’t just what you experience from the neck down — it’s also from the neck up. I’m grateful @SelenaGomez has been using her voice to raise awareness about mental health and inspire her fans to vote in this election.”

Kamala, Selena Talk About Mental Health & Exercising Their Right To Vote

The singer revealed that she has experienced a lot in the last four years that had led her to believe why casting her vote matters. She said, “I just feel that my vote counts more than ever. As a citizen, as someone who truly, truly cares about their country, not voting is just not an option.”

Kamala appreciated Selena for making her voice heard especially about her struggle with lupus which she shared is something that her sister also suffers from. She talked about the many women of color who have lupus and are still struggling to get the attention and treatment they deserve.

Kamala said, “That’s one of the things that Joe and I are fighting for, which is to hold onto the Affordable Care Act and expand it.” The women also discussed mental healthcare. Selena added how she has shared her mental health journey. She said, “I just read too much I think about how deep this country is being affected mentally.”

The singer said how she just knows how important it is even for her. Harris replied, “We still have a lot of work to do, and it’s something I care deeply about, and I look forward to working with you on it.” The Rare Beauty founder also joked about how her fans might be tired of her constantly talking about voting. Kamala, however, urged her to continue to speak about it constantly.