Cyndi Lauper made it known that "girls just wanna have fun," and now she wants to ensure everyone else can, too. Her latest fundraising initiative pushes everyone, of any sexual orientation, to fight for LGBT rights.
The 80s icon and civil rights advocate has teamed up with Charity Buzz, and a number of A-list activists, to kick off the True Colors Fund Summer 2012 Online Auction.
Big-ticket items, such as backstage passes to an Elton John concert and meeting Anderson Cooper at a live taping, will benefit Lauper's nonprofit, the True Colors Fund. The organization aims to end gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth homelessness and encourages people of all backgrounds to fight for LGBT equality.
“The funds raised from this auction will go towards creating real change in the lives of so many,” the singer told Look to the Stars. "Everyone—whether straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender—should be allowed to show their true colors, and be accepted and loved for who they are.”
Lauper's cause is particularly critical right now, considering that LGBT youth represent a disproportionately high number of homeless young people sleeping on the streets, according to the AP.
Of the estimated 600,000 homeless young people in America, between 20 percent and 40 percent are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute. Yet, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 5 percent of youths identify themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
"We've won battles for gay marriage and gays in the military," Carl Siciliano, founder and executive director of the New York-based Ali Forney Center, told the AP. "This is the next frontier, the next battle: helping these youths."
To learn more about the True Colors Fund Summer 2012 Online Auction, which is accepting bids through July 31, visit charitybuzz.com