Major Ally in Struggle for GLBT Rights
"Cyndi Lauper’s music and message appeal to every generation of the GLBT community," said Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. "We love her music, from ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ and ‘True Colors’ to her more recent hits. But Cyndi is more than a gay icon. She has been a major straight ally in the struggle for GLBT rights, steadfastly and forcefully defending our civil rights for nearly two decades. We are proud to have one of the first public advocates of GLBT equality performing at the National Celebration on Independence Mall," Lazin said.
Cyndi Lauper's Comments
"I believe that everyone, including members of the GLBT community, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. I am honored to take part in this unprecedented National Celebration. This is a great opportunity to respond to those who are trying to push gays and lesbians back into the closet," said Cyndi Lauper. "Like the 1963 demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial, the National Celebration will be a milestone in the history of this ongoing civil rights movement."
Equality Forum 2005
Equality Forum 2005 features over 70 programs, parties and special events. More than 105 local and national non-profits and twenty-eight national and international GLBT Executive Directors will be participating. There will also be State Receptions for over thirty states and the District of Columbia on Saturday, April 30.
Concert Details
The concert on Independence Mall will last from 5 to 7 p.m., as part of the National Celebration’s sixteen hours of film screenings, panel discussions, tributes to pioneers and heroes of the Gay civil rights movement, and street festival. Following the activities on the Mall, there will be three parties, including one at The Real World: Philadelphia House.
There is no registration fee for Equality Forum 2005 and all substantive events including the National Celebration are free.
For More Information
For more information, visit www.equalityforum.com or contact Dan Wagner, Communications Associate at dan@equalityforum.com or (215) 732-3378 x10.