Katy Perry has pledged $10,000 to a sex education charity, saying it was for her teenage self who led such a sheltered upbringing that she had no idea how her own body worked.
The Firework singer announced via Instagram that she would be donating the money to US organisation Planned Parenthood, which she credited with helping her to follow her career by educating her on the choices available to her.
Katy, 32, had been an avid supporter of Hillary Clinton and is one of a number of people worried that organisations like Planned Parenthood may have their funding cut under a more conservative government.
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She posted: “It’s time to turn words into action! There are so many steps to take, but my first vow is to support organisations that may have their funding support taken from them in the future by the government.
“I am making a public donation to Planned Parenthood for the teenage me who made several visits to first a clinic in Santa Barbara and then Los Angeles, CA to educate myself on my sexual health, a subject I had little to no information on because of my sheltered upbringing.”
She continued: “I had no idea how things worked down there, and had no idea how to make a plan for them.
“Planned Parenthood educated me on my body and my reproductive health, so that I could focus on my dreams and using my voice until I knew the timing was right for me to make a plan to have a family.
“Since then, I have been able to focus wholeheartedly on bringing messages of strength and becoming a voice for others. Without this education, I may have had a different life path.”
Throughout the US presidential campaign, Katy showed her support for Clinton in person and on social media, even dressing as her for Halloween.
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She also told her followers about her own experiences of not being able to afford healthcare.
Katy continued: “That is just my experience, but I know Planned Parenthood’s broader range of services can sometimes be the only medical support low-income families ever see. I know what it’s like to need help. I came from a lower- to middle-class family and never grew up with the option of health insurance.
“I remember having 13 cavities as a teenager, and the best option my parents could come up with was to try and take me to Mexico because we couldn’t afford anything in California.
“I am grateful for and stand in support of Planned Parenthood for giving Katheryn Hudson (her real name) the knowledge to plan, and for continuing to be a haven for women to learn all options for their future. Now, more than ever, we all need to protect and create safe places for each other. I hope I can help inspire you to make a gift as well, and become a member and an ally.
“Go to: https://www.plannedparenthood.org to show your support. #wewontgoback”