What’s Your Favorite Anthem?

Cast your vote for videos that matter

Courtesy of Interscope Records

Courtesy of Capitol

As MTV gears up for its 2011 Video Music Awards later this month, the network has introduced a new category – and is asking viewers to cast their votes.

This year’s show, which will be broadcast Aug. 28 from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, will include “Best Video With a Message.” And the nominees couldn’t get any gayer:

“F**kin’ Perfect” by Pink

“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga

“Firework” by Katy Perry

“Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem and Rhianna

“Make it Stop (September’s Children)” by Rise Against

“Mean” by Taylor Swift

Voting is open to the public until Aug. 16 by clicking here. Fans can also vote on MTV’s mobile app.

Courtesy of LaFace Records

Each nominated video is accompanied by action steps from MTV Act, the network’s online platform that’s designed to focus on youth efforts that allow audiences to get involved with important issues in their own communities – like violence, bullying, poverty and discrimination. Several of the videos also specifically deal with LGBT issues, including Gaga’s Gay Pride anthem and Rise Against’s track, which features an anti-bullying message built into the video set at an average high school.

“During the past year, we’ve seen a remarkable number of artists use their music to explore deeply personal experiences and issues they are passionate about,” says MTV’s President Stephen Friedman, in a press statement, “to create powerful videos that resonated with and inspired millions of fans.”

Check out one of this year’s nominees: