April 15, 2016
Cyndi Lauper Will Perform in NC, Proceeds to Be Donated to Repeal Anti-LGBT Law
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Cyndi Lauper got a bit of heat Wednesday after telling TMZ she would perform in North Carolina, despite the state's anti-LGBT law. But in a new a statement the singer explains the proceeds from her upcoming show will be used to repeal the controversial measure.
In a video posted by TMZ, the "Time After Time" singer said she "would play in North Carolina. I think people will need us there. Wherever there's a shutout, wherever there's people who don't feel accepted by other people, the other people need you."
In a new statement from her website, Lauper, 62, went further to explain why she will play in North Carolina, saying the proceeds from the June show will be used to repeal the measure.
"...The best way I know how to make a difference is what I have strived to do my whole life and that is show up for my family, friends, and fans in the LGBT community," she said. "So, for that reason I think the best way I can do my part is to turn my show in Raleigh on June 4th into an entire day to build public support to repeal HB2. I will be donating all of the profits from the show to Equality North Carolina's efforts to repeal HB2 and I am proud of my manager and agent for joining me in this effort by donating their commissions from the show to this vital effort."
Lauper's decision to play in the state comes after Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams and Ringo Starr all said they would not perform in states that have anti-LGBT measures on the books.
Read Lauper's full statement below and watch her recent remarks via TMZ.
Sadly, once again, the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have been trampled on with the recent passage of HB2 in North Carolina. Me and my team at the True Colors Fund have been closely monitoring the situation in North Carolina and support the efforts of the Human Rights Campaign, Equality North Carolina, and others to repeal HB2 in the upcoming legislative session.
The pressure to repeal HB2 is building and it is beautiful. In the dark haze of such oppression, people and companies are stepping up to fight back against this unjust law and ensure that all North Carolinians are treated with dignity and respect, especially the transgender community. I have seen time and time again what can happen when people join together to do what is fair and the effort to repeal HB2 is the right and fair thing to do. I am hopeful that all of the current efforts to repeal HB2 will be successful and the True Colors Fund and I will continue to do all that we can to help.
In that vein, the best way I know how to make a difference is what I have strived to do my whole life and that is show up for my family, friends, and fans in the LGBT community. So, for that reason I think the best way I can do my part is to turn my show in Raleigh on June 4th into an entire day to build public support to repeal HB2. I will be donating all of the profits from the show to Equality North Carolina's efforts to repeal HB2 and I am proud of my manager and agent for joining me in this effort by donating their commissions from the show to this vital effort.
I look forward to coming to North Carolina and standing up for equality and fairness. If we truly want an inclusive society, we all have to include ourselves in the effort to make that happen. This is the best way I know how to include myself and urge you to join me in the best way you know how.
