RALEIGH, N.C. – Saturday, award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and LGBTQ equality advocate Cyndi Lauper met with LGBTQ youth at the LGBT Center of Raleigh to learn more about their lives, the challenges they face, and the damaging impact of North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory’s deeply discriminatory HB2 law.
ABC 11 reported that teenager Jenna Travis who identifies as “non-binary” – which means they does not identify with one sole gender said, “It was awesome to have the opportunity to be heard and to be listened to.”
“They are our future. The youth of this country are our future,” Lauper said. “If we don’t embrace our future and help them succeed, we are not going to get very far in this world.”
Lauper later performed at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts. Travis came up on stage and shared her story thanking Lauper for the opportunity to speak.
“You don’t have to thank me,” Lauper replied. “I’m always going to be there for you.”
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Equality NC hailed Lauper, the co-founder of the True Colors Fund, for using her platform to raise awareness of the harmful effects of HB2 on LGBTQ youth.
“Cyndi Lauper is not only an incredibly talented artist, but an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ equality,” said JoDee Winterhof, HRC senior vice president for policy and political affairs. “We are deeply thankful she has taken time to meet with LGBTQ youth in North Carolina and hear firsthand the destructive impact Gov. McCrory’s deeply discriminatory law is having on their lives. It is imperative for the future of these young people and the future of the entire state of North Carolina that HB2 be repealed and replaced by commonsense non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people.”
“Cyndi’s visit today – both contributing to Equality NC and highlighting the real problems faced by members of the transgender community – is crucial in our fight to repeal HB2,” said Chris Sgro, executive director of Equality North Carolina. “We are so grateful for her work, and believe it will continue to make real progress as we defeat the worst anti LGBT bill in the nation.”
Lauper is part of a growing list of artists and entertainers, including members of Dead & Company, Jackson Browne, and members of Pearl Jam, who have publicly committed their time and resources to repealing HB2.
