Cyndi Lauper Presents Holiday Concert for LGBT Homeless Youth

In the true Christmas spirit of love and giving, pop icon Cyndi Lauper and her True Colors Fund presented a star studded concert for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender homeless youth (LGBT) living in New York City.

The concert, titled "Home for the Holidays" took place at NYC's Historic Beacon Theater. It featured Lauper along with Norah Jones, Amy Lee, Lou Reed, Rosie O'Donnell, Wanda Sykes, Carson Kressley, Chely Wright, Skylar Grey, Vanessa Carlton, Anjelique Kidjo, Harvey Fierstein, Deluka, Debbie Harry, Alan Cumming, and Clay Aiken.

The True Colors Fund which Lauper co-founded in 2008 works to raise awareness and bring an end to LGBT youth homelessness.

Ms. Lauper was inspired to help after meeting a group of young homeless LGBT in New York City. She included them in a photo shoot for Interview Magazine to help spread the message of acceptance and diversity. Many of the young people are homeless due to family conflict.

LGBT homeless youth make up 40% of all homeless youth, although they make up only 3 to 9% of the general U.S. population.

Lauper was so moved by their situation that she launched the "Give a Damn Campaign" (www.wegiveadamn.org) to educate the straight community about the many special issues impacting LGBT youth. She hopes to inspire others to get involved.

As a result of her personal commitment, this past September, the True Colors Residence was opened in New York City. Lauper in partnership with the West End Intergenerational Residence founded a 30 studio apartment housing complex dedicated to serving LGBT homeless youth.

100% of the net proceeds from the "Home for the Holidays" concert went to the True Colors fund. Other sponsors for the concert included the Platinum Deutsche Bank, American Airlines, Van Gogh Vodka and the Campaign for Human Rights.

The adorable and ditsy "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" pop diva has a heart of gold. From the beginning of her career she has been a champion for human rights and diversity. Her hauntingly beautiful "True Colors" says it all.

"I see your true colors shining through, I see your true colors and that's why I love you. So don't be afraid to let them show. Your true colors, true colors are beautiful, like a rainbow."

Proceeds from "True Colors" song were donated to Elton John's Aids Research Program.

Cyndi Lauper has also worked for the National Runaway Switchboard, a program to keep runaway, homeless kids safe and off the streets. She recently received the 2011 "Spirit of Youth" award for her fine work.

Sources:

Today Show…NBC

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/artist-and-civil-rights-activists-cyndi-lauper-receives-...