She may have just wanted to have fun in the ‘80s, but Cyndi Lauper has since grown up. Actually, her support of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transsexual) rights isn’t a new thing for Lauper – she has been a long time supporter.
Lauper got her activist start with labor issues when she worked as a flight attendant in the ‘80s. After that, she did work with the National Organization of Women (NOW). Later, she started working with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
The HRC is an organization focused on the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). With over one million supporters and members nationally, the HRC is working toward fair and equal rights for the LGBT community
Lauper and the HRC put together the “True Colors” tour in 2007. Named after a 1986 Lauper hit, True Colors featured Deborah Harry (Blondie), Erasure, The Dresden Dolls, The B-52’s, the Indigo Girls, and Gossip. Openly bisexual comedian Margaret Cho served as the MC. The tour was sponsored by Logo, the television channel which features programs geared towards the LGBT community. Those attending the tour received purple wristbands that read “Erase Hate,” given out by the Matthew Shepard Foundation. One dollar from every ticket sold went to the HRC.
The True Colors tour ran again in 2008 with even more performers, including Joan Jett, Joan Armatrading, Sarah McLaughlan, Lili Haydn, Rosie O’Donnell, and Wanda Sykes.
Lauper launched the Give a Damn Campaign in 2010. The campaign focuses on straight people who want to help promote LGBT rights. Other involved in the campaign include Clay Aiken, Ricky Martin, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, Anna Paquin, Whoopi Goldberg, Jason Mraz, Elton John, Cynthia Nixon, and Kim Kardashian.
The issue of rights for LGBT hit close to home with Lauper. Her sister, Ellen, came out as a lesbian. But, she says it boils down to what’s fair and right. “It’s always wrong to discriminate. I grew up in the civil rights movement. It was wrong then, and it is wrong now.