The Trevor Project Awards Zara Larsson 2026 Mental Health Champion of the Year

On October 9, 2026, The Trevor Project recognized pop star Zara Larsson as the recipient of its 2026 Mental Health Champion of the Year Award in celebration of World Mental Health Day, which occurs on October 10. Larsson was honored for her ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and her commitment to mental health, joy, belonging, and self-expression.

This annual award highlights the contributions of public figures who work to combat stigma and promote wellness among LGBTQ+ youth. Throughout her career, Larsson has been a vocal ally, championing equality and supporting transgender rights, and she has credited her LGBTQ+ fans with significantly influencing her music.

In addition to her advocacy, Larsson has openly discussed mental health issues and the importance of seeking support. In 2024, she partnered with Maybelline’s Brave Together initiative and has shared her own mental health journey, emphasizing the value of a strong support system.

“I’ve never understood the idea of having a platform and not using it to speak up about the things you believe in,” Larsson stated. She expressed gratitude for the love she has received from the LGBTQ+ community and reinforced her commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

Zara Larsson becomes the sixth individual to receive this award, following previous honorees such as Megan Thee Stallion (2025) and Dua Lipa (2024).

Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, praised Larsson for her dedication to self-expression and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting the importance of her candid discussions about mental health.

This recognition comes at a vital moment for LGBTQ+ youth, who are facing significant mental health challenges, as noted in The Trevor Project’s 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. The survey revealed alarming statistics, including that 1 in 10 LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year, while 36% seriously considered it. Furthermore, 90% of respondents reported feeling stressed due to recent anti-LGBTQ+ policies.

The Trevor Project emphasizes that the higher suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth is largely due to societal stigma and mistreatment rather than their identities. Supportive environments are essential for fostering resilience and well-being among these young individuals.

For immediate help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors can be contacted 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, through chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.