Kesha got emotional after receiving an award for supporting LGBT equality

It’s incredible that even in the midst of personal turmoil, Kesha is still giving back to the community. Over the weekend, the singer received with the Visibility Award at the 21st annual Human Rights Campaign Nashville Equality Dinner. In her acceptance speech, she addressed the emotional struggle she’s currently going through, as well as the importance of LGBT visibility.

She opened her speech by thanking everyone for their unwavering support during this difficult time. “I’m going through some personal things that have been really intense and hard lately and I just want to say thank you for any support I’ve received,” she said, adding, “My mom’s crying . Stop crying! Stop crying.”

Then she addressed the connection she’s felt with the LGBT community throughout her entire life. The singer herself was different from her peers, and therefore she found her friendships in other outsiders who were often a part of the LGBT community.

“Though back then we didn’t know what LGBT meant,” she said. “We just knew we got bullied for being ourselves, shamed for being different, and encouraged to hide the things that made us unique. Music was my outlet. I started writing songs and recording my own songs, songs about everyone celebrating themselves and trying to find a rock n’ roll paradise.”

Although growing up was hard, these experiences are what made Kesha the strong and creative person she is today. We can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.