Kim Petras Takes Back the Meaning of 'Accept Yourself' in Empowering LGBTQ+ Pride Month Message

Petras, who identifies as transgender, said the phrase "was something doctors and psychologists would frequently tell me" as a young child and teenager

Kim Petras wants people to accept themselves for who they truly are — not who anyone else wants them to be.

In an uplifting note to fans in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride month, the "Unholy" singer recalled her experiences being told to "accept herself" rather than embrace her identity as a transgender woman and encouraged others to reclaim the phrase as an empowering statement.

"Accept yourself was something doctors and psychologists would frequently tell me when I went to see them at 8 at 10 at 12 at 16," wrote Petras, 31, in an Instagram Story post on June 3. "As in ' you can still wear make up and present as whatever but why would you need [to] go so far ' ... Why can't you just accept yourself ?"

Related: Kim Petras Says She Needed Therapy After Success of 'Unholy': 'It's an Essential Tool'

"They couldn’t fathom that I had accepted myself since i can remember and accepted everything i knew i needed to do to be myself," she added. "Accept yourself can be a pretty s---ty thing to say to someone."

"some nerd online says it to me every day of my life since I can remember ... and their dads are probably obsessed [with] me," continued Petras. "That being said ... accept yourself and happy pride."

The "Heart to Break" musician was recently announced as a celebrity ambassador for MAC Cosmetics, starring in the latest campaign for the brand’s iconic Viva Glam lipstick. Proceeds from the product have long gone to the MAC Aids Fund, which supports organizations helping underserved individuals living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Related: Kim Petras Is the New Face of MAC Cosmetics' Iconic Viva Glam Lipstick: 'Princess Moment' (Exclusive)

MAC's focus on transgender youth is "very close" to Petras' heart, she said: "There's kids who are being kicked out of their homes, who are homeless from a young age for being themselves. There's access to treatment laws being passed in the world right now that target transgender children and kids and that really sucks to see and it's such a wild time that I really think it's really important to me to be able to help and give back in this way — and what a fab way it is."

In April, the "Alone" performer let fans know she would be pulling out of several summer 2024 music festivals due to "some health issues."

"My buns, I’m devastated to be writing this but I’m going through some health issues and under medical advice I have had to make the hard decision to not perform at festivals this summer," wrote Petras at the time.

Related: Kim Petras 'Devastated' to Cancel Summer 2024 Festival Shows Due to 'Some Health Issues'

"I love u so much and I’ll make it up to you and be back better than ever very soon," continued her statement.

She was slated to perform at Primavera Sound Festival in Spain on May 29, Mighty Hoopla in the United Kingdom on June 1, Primavera Sound Porto in Portugal on June 6, LadyLand in New York City on June 28 and Capitol Hill Block Party in Seattle in July.

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