Cyndi Discusses The True Colors ’07 Tour To Benefit The HRC, The Fight Against AIDS, Ani and Her Advice For The Gay Community
by Bambi Weavil
Bambi Weavil: Thank you Cyndi for taking the time out to speak with us. You have been known throughout the world for your amazing talent in your twenty-four year career in the music, film and theatre industries, with countless awards and collaborating with amazing artists like Jeff Beck, Ani Difranco, and Sarah McLaughlin. Now you are about to headline your True Colors ’07 to benefit the Human Rights Campaign. How did this come about?
Cyndi Lauper: I’ve been trying to do this tour for the last five years. The tour came about from my outrage at what is happening in this country with GLBT civil liberties…from my sister to my friends and my gay fans. I just see things going backwards not only for the gay community, but for everyone. If your rights are eroding than my rights are eroding. Who’s next? It’s gotta stop.
BW: What was it like working with Ani Difranco? Any stories you can share?
CL: I saw Ani at Carnegie Hall once and I swear I’ve never seen anyone “move” as much as her while holding an instrument. It was like a pas de deux with a guitar. Beautiful music and beautiful movement. She’s so talented and a real musician.
BW: Do you have anyone new on the music scene you’d like to work with?
CL: There are so many great new artists. I hope to be writing with Beth Ditto while we are on tour together. Love Rufus Wainright…also on the tour. Would like to work with Scissor Sisters.
BW: One of the greatest interviews and performances I’ve heard from you occurred on Sirius OutQ’s “OutQ In The Morning” with my friend Larry Flick for World AIDS Day 2006. How far do you think we’ve come in our fight against AIDS and what has the disease meant to you?
CL: Obviously until there is a cure, our work is not done and the fight is not over. I know that we have made huge advances in treatment, but sometimes I worry about the apathy that the younger generation has towards HIV and that’s a problem. If some of these “kids” experienced and saw the what went down 25 years ago before meds, they wouldn’t be putting themselves at risk. We need more funding for AIDS research and for assistance, not only within the gay community but in the world at large. I mean just look at what is happening in places like Africa.. It’s horrific.
BW: I’m thankful for you being such a advocate for the gay community and this is a very important part of what we represent with OutImpact. We want people to make a positive impact in the gay community. What would be your advice for the gay community as we fight for fairness, awareness and visibility?
CL: Stand together. Get informed on a local and national level. Support the politicians that support you and don’t let any one piss on your parade, wedding or front lawn. Love each other. There is enough opposition against the community already, the more unity the better. It sounds like a cliché but its true. I’ve been a part of the African American civil rights movement, the women’s movement and I genuinely want to see the GLBT community get its seat at the table. I would also say to pay attention to the youth. They are your future. This generation’s legacy and actions affect and inspire the next generation.
BW: On The True Colors Tour, what can fans expect to see? For those who have never seen you in concert, how would you describe the Cyndi Lauper Experience?
CL: Some legendary artists, some new bands and one big party for everyone. I hope that people bring their straight mothers, fathers, neighbors, brothers, kids, etc… It’s about coming together to party and to send the message of inclusion for everyone. It’s about commonality between people. Music cuts through everything and all the bullshit that’s out there. We all nod to the beat and sing to the songs. So I really envision a wonderful time for everyone.
Log onto www.truecolorstour.com for further information.
BW: Thank you for taking the time to speak to us Cyndi, it was our pleasure! We encourage our readers to not miss this tour. It’s for a great cause and we believe will truly impact the world. We look forward to seeing you in Jersey City!
* * * *
Out Impact is your gay online magazine for gay men and women in the LGBTQ community and our allies, encouraging readers to create a positive impact in the gay community. Our content focuses on activism/philanthropy; expert advice for your professional life; pet care by leading experts; a yoga/wellness column in health, spirituality and wellness; as well as columns in food, comics, fashion, an expert travel specialist; engaging features in the arts and more. We have movie, music and book reviews, as well as the latest interviews. Out Impact also produces events benefiting various non-profits around the country, as well as comprehensive media campaigns to raise awareness for various philanthropic causes while bridging the non-profit, activism, artistic and gay communities. OutImpact.com – Making a positive impact in the gay community. Make yours.
To subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest at Out Impact, as well as exclusive content and giveaways please visit: http://www.outimpact.com/out-impact-newsletter/
Latest posts by Bambi Weavil (see all)
- NAGLREP Members to Meet in Washington DC May 15th for REALTOR Meeting – April 30, 2013
- The Cliks’ Lucas Silveira: ‘Walking Through A Tunnel of Darkness Towards The Light’ – April 29, 2013
- Boston Marathon: Hope, Heroes, Perseverance – April 17, 2013
(Out Impact has an gay online radio station!: Out Impact Radio - click here to listen)
4 Comments