NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund will hold a benefit concert on December 4th at New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre to help raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered youth homelessness.
“Home for the Holidays,” presented by Deutsche Bank, will feature a night of music from Cyndi Lauper as well as special appearances by Norah Jones, Amy Lee, Rosie O'Donnell, Wanda Sykes, Carson Kressley, Chely Wright, Skylar Grey, Vanessa Carlton, Angelique Kidjo, Harvey Fierstein, Deluka, Debbie Harry, Alan Cumming and Clay Aiken.
It is estimated that 20 percent to 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, yet of the general youth population, only 3 percent to 5 percent do the same. 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 due to family conflict. “For far too long homeless youth have not received the attention, resources and funding necessary to bring an end to this epidemic. My hope is that through this inspiring evening of music and comedy we can raise awareness and much needed funds to help these young peoplem,” remarked Lauper, co-founder of the True Colors Fund.
Already a longtime advocate for the LGBT community and equality, Lauper co-founded the True Colors Fund in 2008 as a first step in this effort. Last year, the True Colors Fund launched the Give a Damn Campaign to educate the straight community about the many issues, especially youth homelessness, impacting the LGBT community and inspire them to get involved.
Furthering Lauper's commitment to this issue, this past September the True Colors Residence was opened. In partnership with the West End Intergenerational Residence and her manager, Lauper co-founded this 30 studio apartment permanent housing building that is the first in New York dedicated to serving LGBT homeless youth. 100% of the net proceeds from "Home for the Holidays" will benefit the True Colors Fund so that Lauper and the organization can continue to further its mission to help homeless LGBT youth.
In addition to Platinum Sponsor Deutsche Bank, other sponsors of “Home for the Holidays” include American Airlines and Van Gogh Vodka. Additional support provided by the Human Rights Campaign.
— Crystal Lynn Huntoon
