Selena Gomez has credited her mother for raising the singer-actress in an "open minded and non-judgemental" environment.
The 24-year-old singer has said her passion and support for the LGBTQ community is largely because of the way she was raised by her mother, Mandy Teefey, who she says once booked a beautiful drag queen for the "Bad Liar" hitmaker's 16th birthday.
Writing in a letter as part of Billboard magazine's "Love Letters to the LGBTQ Community" series for Gay Pride Month, Selena said, "I remember as a young child going to brunch on Sundays with my mom and her group of friends. I had no idea they were all gay as I didn't even comprehend what that meant at the time.
"All I knew is that I loved being surrounded by these kind, fun and loving friends my mother had around her. I definitely give credit to her for raising me in an environment that was incredibly open-minded and non-judgmental. She also surprised me at my 16th birthday party with a performance by the most beautiful drag queen singing my favourite song. I don't think most 16 year olds can say that.
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