Homeless LGBT

I thought this was relevant to our discussion of a few classes ago: I just got this email from the Human Rights Campaign about a fundraiser in New York (where I'm from, and therefore where I registered with HRC) to benefit the Homeless LGBT community. I copy/pasted it below. NY has been an exciting place in the last couple years in terms of the advances made and momentum gained in the struggle for equality for homosexuals in our society. A surprisingly diverse group of celebrities from NY have lent their support to the movement, from actors and musicians (not too surprisingly) to politicians and professional athletes (a more unexpected demographic for this issue), in addition to the many "common" citizens who support the cause. It was exciting to see all the support from so many different people in the last year, and then to watch it culminate in the legalization of gay marriage in our state this summer. If you look at the list of performers and speakers at this benefit, you'll see they are also a fairly diverse and influential group that are supporting this issue that I had thought did not get much attention.

Here's the email:

Dear Rosie,

Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund, with the support of the Human Rights Campaign, today announced a star-studded benefit concert on December 4th at New York City's historic Beacon Theatre to help raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth homelessness. "Home For the Holidays" will feature a night of music from Cyndi as well as special appearances by Norah Jones, Amy Lee, Lou Reed, 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.

"I am honored to once again work with HRC to spread a message of equality and acceptance through music and comedy as we did on the True Colors Tour," says Cyndi Lauper, co-founder of the True Colors Fund. "Up to 40 percent of all homeless youth in this country identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and it means a great deal to me to have the support of HRC and its members as we work to bring attention and develop resources to help bring an end to this epidemic. My hope is that through this inspiring evening we can raise awareness and much needed funds to help these young people."

Lauper was inspired to help after meeting an extraordinary group of young homeless gay and transgender people several years ago. Already a longtime advocate for the LGBT community and equality, she co-founded the True Colors Fund in 2008 as a major step in this effort.

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.

Have fun!



Joe Solmonese, President