The program, called ‘Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too’ provides an expanse of resources for therapy services and mental health helplines. It also showcases organisations offering advice for Black and LGBTQ+ communities, with the hope of improving access to mental health care and removing the stigma around asking for help.
Houston rapper and Grammy-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion practically invented the popular phrase ‘hot girl summer,’ which encouraged women everywhere – and anyone really – to be themselves, stay drama-free, and party hard all season long.
While most of us want to adhere to this feel-good vibe as often as possible, the honest truth is that it doesn’t always match up with our reality. Sometimes, life just gets tough.
No stranger to the obstacles life unexpectedly throws our way, Meg understands this. From losing three of her closest family members, being shot by a trusted friend and fellow artist, and being vilified by the media during the highly publicised court case that followed – she hasn’t exactly had it easy.
After benefitting from professional help herself, Megan has now launched a mental health platform for her fans, known as The Hotties, to encourage them to do the same and ‘bounce back like bad bitches always do.’
Announcing the launch of Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too her statement read, ‘Hotties! You know how much mental wellness means to me, so I created a hub with resources that can help when you might need a hand. Head to [the website] now and check it out. Love y’all so much.’
Listed on the website are a number of therapy platforms, such as iPrevail and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Several mental health hotlines are also listed along with resource directories specifically tailored for Black and LGBTQ+ communities.
Although mental health issues affect any and all demographics, it’s been documented that Black Americans are 15 percent less likely to seek treatment when compared to white people.
Social stigma and other historical and cultural factors are believed to be the cause of this disparity related to help-seeking – despite the fact that the added stress of dealing with racism, discrimination, and systemic issues fuelling racial inequality have led to higher rates of PTSD in Black individuals.
In general, discussing mental health has long been viewed as taboo. With ‘Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too’, Megan Thee Stallion is looking to break the barriers that have maintained its status as such.
It should really come as no surprise that Megan has become a major advocate for awareness and getting help with mental health.
On her 2020 track Ain’t Equal, Megan starts by rapping a hard-hitting one-liner about loss, ‘I lost my mommy and my granny in the same month,’ before jumping into the confident and audacious style of lyricism that she’s widely recognised and acclaimed for.
Though the line is unmissable, Meg sparsely spoke about her personal experiences aside from short statements to her fans on Twitter or Instagram Live.
‘It’s really hard for me to open up and be vulnerable most times but I know I’m not the only person dealing with these feelings around the holiday times,’ she said to The Hotties in an emotional Instagram video last Christmas.
‘Although all these positive things have been happening to me, and I been trying to do good, trying to keep a smile on my face. Trying to stay strong, trying to stay happy for me and my other grandmother and the rest of my family. It’s pretty rough, pretty hard.’
In a recent interview aimed at promoting her latest studio album Traumazine, Megan opened up about losing her closest family members in a short window of time. She described how it continues to affect her mental well-being and has distorted the way she measures her success.
Certain tracks on the record take a noticeably different tone from her older albums. These, Megan describes, were a venting process for everything that’s happened on her journey into the music business.
When addressing the more familiar, upbeat, and happy tracks Megan’s audience has grown used to, she reminds us, ‘I don’t write songs about how I feel,’ she says. ‘I write songs about how I want to feel.’
Though initially focused on building her career as the ‘poster child’ for the Houston rap scene, Megan now sits comfortably on her Beyoncé-certified throne and the opportunity to generate a positive social impact has never been clearer.
Along with regularly reminding her fans to get educated when they can (she completed her own college degree throughout the pandemic) and promoting body positivity during performances, Meg is on mission to expand the platform afforded to her to include other important social causes.
Earlier this year, she launched the Pete & Thomas Foundation in honour of her late mother and father. The foundation offers mental health, education, housing, and health service aid in several communities.
‘My family raised me to help others and give back, so I’m incredibly proud to be in a position to accomplish that goal,’ she said at the charity’s February launch.
‘I have a responsibility to use my platform to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who may not have access to resources and support services.’
Megan Thee Stallion joins a growing list of celebrities advocating for mental health awareness, but her lived experiences and diverse fan base are what sets her apart.
In an age where celebrities have a major and increasingly powerful influence over their audiences, it can only be a positive thing if we see more of this work in the future.
I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
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