Cyndi Lauper Gives a Damn About Homeless LGBT Youth

by Michael Jones · 2010-08-18 16:03:00 UTC
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The phone rings, in the middle of the night. Your father asks: "Whatcha gonna do with your life?"

Twenty-five years ago, Cyndi Lauper answered that question with a thunderous "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." But nowadays, the divine Ms. Lauper would probably answer a different way. And it would probably have something to do with being one of the fiercest straight allies the LGBT community has ever seen.

Earlier this year, Lauper launched the Give a Damn Campaign, which really sought to engage both LGBT people, straight allies, and celebrities in the cause of gay rights. The Give a Damn Campaign became almost instantaneously famous for being the outlet that allowed Anna Paquin to come out as bisexual (that video actually shut down the Give a Damn Campaign site, it was so popular. And that was before the Rolling Stone cover that has all hearts afire).

Lauper is in San Diego this week for a concert, and the San Diego Gay and Lesbian News had a chance to sit down with her to talk about her commitment to gay rights. While she reveals that she hates being called a gay icon, she notes that anyone concerned with civil rights ought to be concerned about advancing equality for the LGBT community.

"I grew up in the civil rights movement in the ‘60s where I saw a large group of people treated in a way no human beings should ever be treated. But what I also saw was white people standing with black people saying this is not right and it has to end," Lauper said. "I learned then that we all have to stand up for those in the minority, we all have to stand up for the underdog. Right now that underdog is the gay community."

It's that spirit which fuels Lauper's activism, including her work to open up what's going to be the first permanent housing facility for LGBT youth, in New York City. Research has shown that homelessness among LGBT youth is pandemic, and LGBT young adults and teens are often times dumped into the streets because of a lack of a safe environment at home.

"We are not doing enough to take care of our own, to ensure that the next generation of gay and transgender kids can actually enjoy the equality we are working so hard for. The number of them on the streets and getting kicked out their homes is growing fast and we need to all steps to do what we can to help them," Lauper said.

You can check out the rest of the interview here. And Cyndi — a hearty thanks for your work. And PS — not only are you one of my favorite straight allies, but you also have the best part in the We Are the World song.

Photo credit: Davidwhitewolf

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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