Lady Gaga has shared her belief that kindness is something everyone can give, describing it as a “free currency”.
The 39 year old singer says her parents taught her strong values from a young age, and she has tried to stay grounded in those lessons despite her global fame and success.
Speaking to People, the chart topping artist reflected on her upbringing, saying: “I am an Italian American girl who grew up in a neighbourhood full of every kind of person you could imagine, and I think that's where I first learned that belonging doesn't mean everyone looks like you or lives like you. It means people show up for each other.”
Gaga says she feels lucky to have been raised by parents who led with compassion and care.
She explained: “They came from working-class families and worked incredibly hard, and there was always this unspoken understanding in our building and our block that you looked out for your neighbours. That's something I carry with me everywhere. It's the foundation of everything I believe about kindness.”
Back in 2012, Gaga launched the Born This Way Foundation with the goal of helping to build a kinder and braver world, with a particular focus on young people’s mental health.
Now, the singer believes showing kindness often requires real bravery, especially in uncertain times.
She said: “When people are feeling scared and uncertain, they sometimes forget how powerful a single act of kindness can be.
“My mom and I built the Born This Way Foundation on the belief that kindness isn't soft, it’s brave. It takes courage to look at someone who's different from you and say, I see you, and you matter.”
Elsewhere, Gaga has previously spoken about the impact her fiancé Michael Polansky has had on her life.
The pop star, who began her relationship with Michael in 2020, has said finding love helped her feel more balanced and fulfilled.
She told Rolling Stone: “Being in love with someone that cares about the real me made a very big difference.”
