The Blair Boogie: Counseling for "Little Monsters"


Jan. 4, 2013, 7:39 p.m. | By Grace Hill | 11 years, 2 months ago


The Blair Boogie is a weekly blog focusing on what's new in the world of music. Come back next week Friday for the next edition.

In her 2011 tune "Born this Way," pop star Lady Gaga belted out, "Don't hide yourself in regret. Just love yourself and you're set."

In conjunction with her typical message of self-love, Gaga recently announced that she will be offering free therapy resources for her passionate fans, also known as Little Monsters, during her upcoming Born This Way Ball tour. Gaga, the Mother Monster, will provide food, music and interactive activities as well. Although she has not released all the details yet, this unique offer will help Gaga further build a strong sense of community among her supporters.

Lady Gaga will offer therapy aboard the Born Brave Bus for her upcoming North American tour dates.  Photo courtesy of PopCrush.

The optional tailgating experience, which Gaga will offer to Little Monsters aboard the Born Brave Bus, will take place prior to the shows at her remaining tour stops. The final segment of the tour will take place in North America, beginning in Vancouver, Canada, on Jan. 11 and then traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada before finishing in Tulsa, Okla., on March 20.

According to Gaga's Twitter, the therapy will be a pre-show experience that will bring her fans closer together. "For those wondering about the 'counseling' at the BTWBall BornBrave pre-show, it will be a fun tailgating experience for monsters to unite. At the #BornBraveBus you have access to professional private or group chats about mental health, depression, bullying, school & friends," Gaga tweeted.

Gaga also mentioned that she hopes offering therapy will eliminate some of the stigmas connected with receiving treatment. "I feel like most kids don't look for help because they feel embarrassed," she added.

Another way Gaga has helped promote self-acceptance in the past was through the nonprofit organization, Born This Way Foundation (BTWF). With her mother Cynthia Germanotta, Gaga founded the group in order to reduce teen bullying and promote acceptance.

BTWF's mission statement explains the organization's commitment to providing a positive influence for communities. "The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a kinder, braver world," it says.

Since Gaga's fans typically embrace the causes she supports, the Born Brave Bus will likely be a success. If Gaga can help make therapy socially acceptable for young fans and their friends, they will be able to admit when they need help and become more tolerant of themselves and others.

The Born Brave Bus and the Born this Way Foundation both demonstrate the mutually supportive relationship between Gaga and her fans. As she once told her Little Monsters, "I want you to walk out of here tonight not loving me more, but loving yourselves more."



Tags: Lady Gaga The Blair Boogie Born this Way Foundation counselin Little Monsters therapy

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