Elton John Launches Campaign Against LGBTQ+ Discrimination, Challenges Fans to Take On ‘Your Song’
Elton John is gearing up to give one of his fans an LGBTQ+ Pride Month for the books. Ahead of next month’s festivities, the rock star announced Wednesday (May 29) that he and his Elton John AIDS Foundation are challenging fans to take on his hit “Your Song” as part of a new “Speak Up Sing Out” campaign, giving one entrant the chance to meet him and David Furnish, who is his husband and the foundation’s chairman, in June.
Designed to help end the stigma against LGBTQ folks on social media, the challenge asks participants to post vertical videos of personalized renditions of the icon’s 1970 song, which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was co-written by John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. More specifically, the foundation is calling on fans to sing one of the track’s final lines — “I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind, that I put down in words how wonderful life is while you’re in the world” — and mark their clips online with the hashtag #SpeakUpSingOutGiveaway.
After finishing the song, contestants are to name and tag someone who has inspired them to embrace their authentic selves. Fans should also make sure they’re following the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Instagram before entering.
“Living boldly and fearlessly is what I strive for every day, but I know firsthand the importance of having a support system that empowers you to do so — a privilege I’m immensely grateful for,” John said in a statement. “This Pride Month, I extend a heartfelt invitation to stand with me and the Foundation to honor the champion in your life.”
The giveaway ends June 18 at 8 p.m. ET. Afterward, one contestant will be chosen to win a trip to meet John and Furnish later that month.
“Add your unique touch to one of my songs and spread waves of love and support throughout the LGBTQ+ community,” the five-time Grammy winner added. “As a special thank you, one participant and their guest will have the chance to join me and David in New York City during Pride Month — an opportunity to celebrate love, acceptance, and all that makes us who we are!”
In addition to spreading awareness amid the influx in anti-LGBTQ legislation introduced across the U.S. in the past year, the “Speak Up Sing Out” challenge will support the foundation’s Rocket Fund. The $125-million, multiyear initiative was launched in 2023 in response to rising stigma and growing rates of HIV in vulnerable communities, causes for which the organization has already raised $100 million of its goal.
See John’s announcement below.
Hannah Dailey
Billboard
