2015-05-05

By Courtney E. Smith

Miley Cyrus has announced the launch of the Happy Hippie Foundation “to fight injustice facing homeless youth, LGBT youth and other vulnerable populations.”

On the foundation’s website, their mission indicates they plan to support state programs focused on “prevention, immediate needs and awareness.”

“We started a year ago with Jesse and we were focused on the homeless youth in L.A. and different support groups in San Francisco,” Cyrus told GMA in an interview announcing the foundation’s launch. “Now, we’re going bigger and wanting to take on America. And by the end of it we’re going to be taking on the world.”

Happy Hippie and Cyrus pinpoint a “lack of acceptance and alienating people” as a huge portion of the reason for teen homelessness. Many of those at risk identify as LGBT.

RELATED: Miley Cyrus Lashes Out at Media For Going After Her Homeless VMA Date

Cyrus said watching Bruce Jenner’s recent interview where he revealed he was transitioning to a woman was a source of inspiration, calling it “really cool” how he spoke about using the platform of his reality show to amplify the message around transitioning and create a sense of acceptance and normalcy for it.

“It’s brave,” Cyrus said. “And if it converts people, if people are watching, maybe they do feel some sort of compassion. I don’t know how people’s brains work. I hope it does. I don’t know how you could look into Bruce’s eyes and see anything else but the truth. And I think this is probably a huge sense of relief, in a way. No one should have to live a lie.”

Cyrus revealed that she’s going to post Backyard Sessions on her Facebook page with a donate button next to them, with benefits going to Happy Hippie. She has filmed sessions on her own and with Joan Jett and Ariana Grande.

RELATED: Miley Cyrus Calls Joan Jett Her ‘Biggest Inspiration’ at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

“Bring it back to something that matters,” Cyrus said. “I don’t really want to sing just for myself. I want to be doing something for the world.”

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