Miley Cyrus

At the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, Miley Cyrus gave the spotlight to an important issue by inviting homeless youth Jesse Helt to take the stage on her behalf and deliver a moving speech about the homeless youth at risk every day, on the streets of our country. What could have been an isolated moment of inspiration became the launch of her Happy Hippie Foundation. The nonprofit is dedicated to raising awareness about the injustices faced by homeless youth, LGBT youth, and other vulnerable populations.

Cyrus also recently launched “Happy Hippie Presents the Backyard Sessions”—a collection of music videos created with collaborators who believe in the foundation’s mission. The Backyard Sessions rallied thousands of fans to donate and create digital support groups for LGBT youth and their families, so they may have access to critical resources, help and community—regardless of circumstance. Happy Hippie actively supports homeless youth in Los Angeles with My Friend’s Place and LGBT around the country with Gender Spectrum. Cyrus has consistently spoken out on behalf of homeless and LGBT youth, including against current discriminatory U.S. legislation.

The Happy Hippie Foundation is building a following of hundreds of thousands who engage and support each other on social media. This month, Cyrus will launch “Happy Hippie Presents InstaPride,” a partnership with Instagram to raise awareness, educate and engage people in a conversation regarding the transgender and gender expansive community through a special portfolio of photos—created and captured by Cyrus.

A longtime advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, Cyrus is the spokesperson for M•A•C Cosmetics’ VIVA GLAM campaign. Every cent of Viva Glam lip products benefits the M•A•C AIDS Fund to help those affected by the disease globally. She is currently focusing her efforts with M•A•C AIDS Fund on raising awareness and ending the HIV/AIDS stigma experienced by marginalized youth.

Cyrus released her most recent album Bangerz in 2013 and is now working on a new album at her home recording studio.