Those new endeavors include Francia working on a salsa line, and she says Selena has been “so supportive.” And now, she’s returning that show of support by attending the Rare Impact Fund Benefit, which supports youth mental health. Francia also applauded the work the Only Murders in the Building star has done to help others.
“Within the Hispanic community, it’s just not talked about,” she said. “So for her to be a Latina out there being like, ‘Hey, I’m not OK. These things happen. These things are normal,’ it’s beautiful. There’s still a stigma amongst Latinx households about mental health, and I’m glad that someone with her voice, as big as it is, is out there speaking about it. It’s inspired me to tell my story as well, honestly.”
And Selena—who has spoken about her battles with anxiety and depression as well as her bipolar disorder diagnosis—wants to remind anyone struggling that they’re not alone and that help is available.
“I just know my personal experience, and sharing my story has really healed me in a way and I don’t feel afraid of my thoughts and of myself,” she told E! News. “And I’m just really in a solid place with that, and I think it’s because I spoke up.”
– Reporting by Rebecca Ray