Chappell Roan doesn’t have to be dressed in a gingham two-piece on the “Saturday Night Live” stage to be considered “The Giver.”
With a long history of charitable contributions and a devoted outspokenness about social justice, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community, her newest endeavor comes as no surprise.
Dr. Kara and Dwight Amstutz, Roan’s parents, have donated a signed copy of the singer’s Rolling Stone magazine cover for an annual local gala: Springfield Black Tie.
The gala includes a silent auction (that takes place both in-person and online) to raise funds for southwest Missouri LGBTQ+ organizations.
“I signed a limited number of Rolling Stone covers for my hometown’s… queer charity event,” Roan posted in an Instagram story Tuesday morning.
“Online bidding starts November 13 at 6 p.m. Central Time. 100% of proceeds go to local queer charities/initiatives.”
A listing for the magazine starts at a bid of $250, but it’s unclear just how much it might raise. Past beneficiaries of Springfield Black Tie include PFLAG Springfield, AIDS Project of the Ozarks, and The Glo Center, which Roan has supported proudly in the past.
Roan is from Willard, Missouri, which is a little over ten miles Northwest of Springfield.
“Chappell Roan, a native of Willard, MO, has risen to national prominence, known for her powerful voice and commitment to LGBTQIA+ advocacy through her music,” Black Tie’s listing for the autographed magazine says.
“Her recognition as MTV’s Best New Artist solidifies her influence in the music world and her role as a powerful voice for inclusivity. The autographed Rolling Stone magazine captures a defining moment in her career and offers a rare opportunity for fans and supporters.”
In a 2021 report, LGBTQ+ suicide prevention organization The Trevor Project found that nearly half of all LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas and small towns stated that their community was “somewhat” or “very unaccepting” of LGBTQ+ people, compared to just over a quarter of those in urban and suburban areas.
Roan has been vocal in the past — especially through her title as the “Midwest Princess” — about the struggle young, queer people face in unaccepting parts of the country.
“For all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now,” Roan said, upon accepting an MTV Video Music Award this fall, “I see you, I understand you, because I’m one of you. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be.”
Coming from a town with a population of about 6,500 makes Roan’s trajectory that much more impressive — and her loyalty to all other LGBTQ+ Midwesterners that much more impactful.
“Chappell’s rise… is a proud moment for the community,” Amy Tignor, Springfield Black Tie spokesperson, said. “The funds raised will enable us to continue supporting essential LGBTQIA+ services in southwest Missouri.”
Header image courtesy of Springfield Black Tie
