Kesha Receives the HRC Visibility Award

Before she was the poster girl for how corruption and manipulation within the music industry can affect artists, Kesha was living life true to herself and encouraging fans to do the same. Over the weekend in Nashville, Kesha received the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award, presented to those who use their elevated positions and reach to benefit the LGBT community.

"Fame is strange, and unnatural, and I'm grateful for it," the singer said. "Mainly because it has put me in the position where I can actually do something positive for the world." Kesha, who grew up in Tennessee, recalled feeling like a misfit growing up, and found herself gravitating toward other outsiders, often people in the LGBT community.

"It's really hard to find confidence in yourself and love yourself when the world criticizes you for being yourself," she said. "Believe me, when I sing these words, I'm talking to myself as much as I'm talking to everyone else."

The singer recently lost a very public battle with her producer, Dr. Luke, accusing him of emotional and sexual abuse. Now Kesha is trapped in her contract with Sony, but has garnered support from fans and famous friends alike. Watch her teary-eyed speech below (beings at the 9:20 mark).