Lady Gaga starts Born This Way Foundation to empower youth

Lady Gaga has put her money where her mouth is in regards to her outspoken stance against bullying, particularly bullying of gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgendered youth. She has founded the Born This Way Foundation, along with her mother, Cynthia Germanotta.

Gaga tweeted the announcement Wednesday (Nov. 2) with, "I'm proud to announce: My mommy + I have created 'The Born This Way Foundation' A place for Bravery, Love, Acceptance. http://www.bornthiswayfoundation.org."

"My mother and I have initiated a passion project," says Gaga, in a statement. "Together we hope to establish a standard of Bravery and Kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment."

The website says the foundation is "empowering youth, inspiring bravery ... This Way, Towards Bravery Where Youth Are Empowered. This Way, Towards Acceptance Where Humanity is Embraced. This Way, Towards Love Where Individuality is Encouraged."

The foundation will work in partnership with the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the California Endowment, organizations that work on youth empowerment and using the power of the Internet to promote change.