Selena Gomez aims to 'defeat discrimination' with North Carolina concert

Singer Selena Gomez has chosen to move forward with her North Carolina concert despite the state's controversial anti-LGBT law.

Several performers, including Selena's pals Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, have decided not to put on shows in the state to protest the House Bill 2 Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act. The legislation, also known as 'HB2' or the 'bathroom bill', was signed into law by politicians earlier this year (16), forcing all transgender people to use gender-specific public restrooms.

Selena's Revival Tour will touch down in Charlotte, North Carolina on 7 June (16), and after much consideration, she has decided to proceed with the performance.

"I am very fortunate to have grown up in a home where I learned from an early age that everyone should be treated equally," she explains in a statement to Billboard.com. "I went back and forth on whether I should cancel my concert in North Carolina and ultimately I think what is right for me is to move forward with my show and donate a portion of the proceeds to Equality North Carolina and their effort to defeat this act of discrimination."

Equality North Carolina is a charity aimed at improving the lives and protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the state.

In addition to making a considerable donation to the philanthropic organisation, Selena has also ensured the 'bathroom bill' policy will not be enforced for concertgoers who attend the show, which is being held at Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena.

"I've been reassured the venue I will be performing in has gender neutral bathrooms as I want everyone coming to my show to be welcomed," she continues. "I feel like my generation is the most progressive one yet and believe there will be a day soon when laws like HB2 won't even be a consideration."