In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Gregory Lewis, Executive Director of Cyndi Lauper’s TRUE COLORS FUND. The mission of this non-profit organization co-founded by music icon and fierce gay ally Cyndi Lauper is to assist gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth who have been thrown out of their homes by their parents or primary custodians because of their sexual orientation. Recently the West End Intergenerational Residence which Cyndi is co-founder of opened the TRUE COLORS RESIDENCE in Harlem, New York for a diverse group of LGBTQ homeless youth. The residence has 30 studio apartments with indoor and outdoor communal space. Each resident pays affordable rent based on their income and receives job assistance if they do not have one. There are also social and educational programs provided. The goal of the TRUE COLORS RESIDENCE is to open similar facilities nationwide.
When asked how he became involved in the TRUE COLORS FUND, Lewis stated, “Well I’ve known Cyndi and her manager Lisa Barbaris for a number of years. I use to work at the Human Rights Campaign for many years and was the Managing Director for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. So I knew them from both of those organizations and I was very friendly with them and helped them with their advocacy work. And when they were ready to take the TRUE COLORS TOUR to the next level they asked me to come and work with them. It was a great honor and of course I said yes immediately and I have been with them for 4 years now.”
It is estimated that 20 percent to 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The TRUE COLORS FUND is committed to doing what it can to raise awareness about this issue and develop resources to help these young people, most of whom are homeless because of their sexual orientation. On December 4th at New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre help raise awareness about LGBTQ youth homelessness by attending CYNDI LAUPER & FRIENDS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS A CONCERT TO BENEFIT HOMELESS LGBT YOUTH. It’s a star-studded benefit concert to help raise awareness about this crucial LGBTQ issue. The evening will feature music from Cyndi Lauper as well as special appearances by Norah Jones, Amy Lee, Cassandra Wilson, Rosie O'Donnell, Wanda Sykes, Jon Secada, Carson Kressley, Chely Wright, Skylar Grey, Vanessa Carlton, Angelique Kidjo, Harvey Fierstein, Deluka, Debbie Harry, Alan Cumming, Randy Fenoli and Clay Aiken. If you can’t make the concert this is an organization that will appreciate your support to help ensure the future of our LGBT community. UPDATE: Cyndi Lauper's LGBT XMAS Event Rocked
For More Info: truecolorsfund.org
This is a sad indictment of ongoing intolerance in a so-called liberal democracy - but so encouraging that there are people, both gay and straight, who are prepared to take action.
ReplyDeleteI attended the concert Sunday night at the Beacon. What a great celebration. It was an eclectic mixture of musical styles and performers. Each entertainer added excitement to the show.
ReplyDeleteI attended the concert because I knew that Clay Aiken was going to be a part of the program. I love hearing him sing and I know he is a man who really cares for the welfare of youth.
When Clay sang, it almost sounded like a prayer. It was an amazing performance.
I also enjoyed Alan Cumming. He brought such electricity to the show. I wish both Clay and Alan had been able to participate in the rest of the show.
Cyndi........you are an amazing person. Thank you for being such an advocate for LGBTQ youth.