Elton John is getting ready to give one of his fans a month of LGBTQ+ pride in books. Ahead of next month's celebrations, the rock star announced on Wednesday (May 29) that he and the Elton John AIDS Foundation are challenging fans to embrace the hit 'Your Song' as part of a new “Speak Up Sing Out” campaign, giving one participant the chance to meet him and David Furnish, who is his husband and foundation president, in June.
Designed to help end the stigma against LGBTQ people on social media, the challenge asks participants to post vertical videos of personalized renditions of the icon's 1970 song, which reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was written by his longtime partner Bernie Taupin. . More specifically, the foundation is inviting fans to sing one of the track's final lines — “I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind me saying how great life is while you're in the world” — and mark the clips of them online with the hashtag #SpeakUpSingOutGiveaway.
After finishing the song, contestants must name and tag someone who inspired them to embrace their authentic selves. Fans should also make sure to follow the Elton John AIDS Foundation Instagram before you enter.
“Living boldly and fearlessly is what I strive for every day, but I know first-hand the importance of having a support system that enables you to do so – a privilege for which I am very grateful,” said John in a statement. “This Pride Month, I extend a heartfelt invitation to join me and the Foundation in honoring the champion of your life.”
Giveaway ends June 18th at 8pm. ET. One contestant will then be chosen to win a trip to meet John and Furnish later this month.
“Add your unique touch to one of my songs and spread waves of love and support throughout the LGBTQ+ community,” added the five-time Grammy winner. “As a special thank you, one entrant and their guest will have the opportunity to meet me and David in New York City during Pride Month — a chance to celebrate love, acceptance and all that makes us who we are! »
In addition to spreading awareness amid the influx of anti-LGBTQ legislation introduced across the US over the past year, the Speak Up Sing Out challenge will support the foundation's Rocket Fund. The multi-year, $125 million initiative was launched in 2023 in response to the growing stigma and rising rates of HIV in vulnerable communities, causes for which the organization has already raised $100 million of its goal.
See John's announcement below.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/elton-john-challenges-fans-your-song-chance-meet-him-1235694965/