Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund Benefit Shines Spotlight On Mental Health

Selena Gomez is celebrating her 30s with a newfound perspective. At her recent Rare Impact Fund Benefit hosted at Nya Studios in Hollywood, she spoke exclusively to PEOPLE, sharing her insights on embracing this new chapter of her life.

“Now that I’m 30, I care less, so it’s actually nice. I get to focus on the things that actually matter, and I’m not worried about things that were holding me back,” she stated.

The event, dedicated to raising funds for mental health initiatives for young people, allowed Selena to open up about her aspirations for the Rare Impact Fund’s long-term impact.

When asked if she hoped the Rare Impact Fund would become her lasting legacy, the celebrated singer and founder of Rare Beauty expressed her hopes, tinged with a hint of nervousness. “I really hope so,” she admitted. “It is my first time throwing something and I hate asking people for money, so I don’t know. It’s like a weird concept, but I know that we’re doing a good thing and I couldn’t be more lucky to have the platform to do that,” she added. 

Before the Rare Impact Fund Benefit, Selena took to Instagram to announce an initiative in honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10th. Sephora pledged to donate all of Rare Beauty’s sales to the Rare Impact Fund for a 24-hour period, amplifying their commitment to mental health support.

During her speech at the event, Selena became emotional as she shared her personal journey with mental health. She credited her younger sister, Gracie, who is just 10 years old, as the inspiration behind the creation of the fund.

“I struggled with the world inside my head for a long time, and I felt lost and hopeless at times. In 2020, I received my diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and to be honest, everything quickly changed,” she said during the speech.

With her diagnosis, Gomez found the answers and knowledge she needed to navigate her mental health journey. She also expressed her hope that the younger generation, including her sister Gracie, would have a brighter and more supportive future when it comes to mental health.

“I know we all have Gracie’s in our lives who make us want to be better and do better, who can motivate us and connect us and make a difference,” she added, going on to express gratitude towards everyone who has supported her journey.