Lesbian pop sensation Chappell Roan — celebrated for her vibrant queer-forward sound and bold style — is extending her platform into meaningful philanthropy. On October 23, 2025 Mz. Roan announced the launch of the Midwest Princess Project, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting transgender youth and LGBTQ+ communities across the U.S.
What’s the mission?
“I am so excited to announce @midwestprincessproject … an organisation we’ve launched to provide support and needed resources for trans youth and LGBTQ+ communities.”
The project operates as a sponsored project of the Catalyst Philanthropy Fund, so any funds are managed via a fiscal-sponsorship structure.
How it’s already making an impact
Here are some key highlights:
- The initiative has already raised over US$400,000 through ticket sales from Roan’s “Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things” pop-up shows.
- A portion of each ticket sold to those shows goes directly into the fund.
- Funds are earmarked for grassroots organisations that serve trans youth and LGBTQ+ communities — among them the Ali Forney Center (NYC), Trans Wellness Center (Los Angeles), and others.
Why it matters
Roan’s move to set up the Midwest Princess Project reinforces how artists are increasingly leveraging their creative platforms with their activism. For trans youth, whose support systems may be fragmented, this initiative can supply crucial resources — whether that’s access to affirming services, peer-community events or visibility within great cultural moments.
By aligning a portion of live-event revenues with direct giving, Roan ensures the fund is fed by ongoing audience engagement rather than mere one-off donations.
What’s up next, Chappell?
While the initiative is off to a strong start, observers and supporters should keep an eye on:
- Transparency and impact — how the funds are allocated and how outcomes are measured
- Scale and reach — the potential for Midwest Princess Project to expand beyond the initial U.S. urban centers
- Engagement around tours and activations — Roan’s special partnerships are built around her shows raise money for the project.
Chappell Roan’s debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023), and her breakout single “Good Luck, Babe!” helped bring her into mainstream awareness—so this foundation of cultural capital gives her philanthropic initiative momentum.
In the larger cultural landscape, artists linking tours to funds for social good is not entirely new, but the specificity here matters: the target is trans youth and queer community building, at a time when those communities face increasing pressures. This is about solidarity and resource-alignment behind a historically marginalised group.
Final thoughts
With a seeding of over US$400,000+ and a clear mission, The Midwest Princess Project presents a powerful example of how creative success can convert into community support. For the LGBTQ+ and trans youth communities, an artist of Roan’s stature brings momentum. It’s worth watching how the project grows, how the funds translate into impact, and how it inspires similar efforts from other artists.
