Kesha accepted the Visibility Award and gave an emotional speech this past weekend at the Human Rights Campaign Nashville Equality Dinner, whilst in the midst of her battle with Sony and Dr. Luke after accusing the latter of sexually, physically and mentally assaulting her.
Locked in a contract, the singer failed to convince a judge she needed an injunction to release her from her contract with Luke, after a Sony lawyer told the court she was free to work with other people and still release music whilst in her current situation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kesha said: "I'm going through some personal things that have been really intense and hard lately and I just want to say thank you for any support I've recieved."
She continued: "It's really hard to have confidence in yourself and love yourself when the world criticises you for being yourself," talking about the LGBT community. "And obviously, there's so many other people who've had it so much harder than me.
"I've met many members of the LGBT community and some very, very close friends who have come close to taking their own lives because of the abuse they've had to deal with and that is heartbreaking.
"I don't want to live in a world where we treat each other like that. That's why my message has always been about being yourself. And we really have to love each other and support each other.
"Believe me when I sing these words, I'm talking to everyone else, I'm talking to myself as much as I'm talking to everyone else."
Kesha continued to speak before welling up and then encouraging everybody to speak about their bad experiences.
"Don't be afraid to speak up against any injustice you experience. Don't let people scare and shame you into changing the things about yourself that make you unique. Those are the qualities that will make your life magical and special. Never deny yourself that."
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