Tag Archives: Gay Youth

Cyndi Lauper Launches New Shoe Line, Which Will Benefits LGBT Youth

For many years Cyndi Lauper has been pivotal supporter of LGBT rights, becoming a fixture at gay pride events and raising money through charity work.

Now, she’s parlaying her unwavering belief in equality into something tangible with the launch of her shoe collection with M4D3 (Make a Difference Everyday), an organization dedicated to creating products with a purpose.

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The three-piece line, priced between $65 and $75, includes a denim hi-top sneaker, a leopard print slip-on sneaker, and a men’s white hi-top sneaker.

Talking to InStyle, Lauper said

I’m the aunt and cousin or sister you can’t get rid of. Initially, I got involved because nobody else was getting involved. I wasn’t going to sit idly and watch my family members and dear friends have their civil rights stripped [Ed note: Lauper’s older sister, Ellen, is a lesbian and activist in the gay community]. Everyone was totally disenfranchised and was contemplating suicide. Something had to be done. You should never kill yourself because you’re different. There are a lot of great people who didn’t blend in who were different.”

She added

There has been some change, but I wish in my heart that those changes had come sooner for those who were forced to live through a harder time. Forty percent of the 1.6 million kids out there are homeless right now, and identify as LGBT. We have to educate people and their parents, too.”

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Proceeds from sales benefit the True Colors Fund, her foundation which works to end homelessness among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth across the country. Below, we spoke to Lauper about the collaboration, ’80s fashion trends, and the cause closest to her heart.

We tried to make something that was interesting and fun to wear, that you could rock any way you want—whether you’re conservative or more outgoing.”
Shop the True Colors Collection now at shop.m4d3shoes.com and visit truecolorsfund.org to learn more about the cause.

Former Homeless Teen Cyndi Lauper Goes to Washington to Help End LGBT Homelessness

Yesterday was True Colors Fund’s #40toNoneDay, “a national day to raise public awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth homelessness, and to provide supporters with simple ways to get involved.”

It was also the day Cyndi Lauper – who started her True Colors Fund charity – testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, explaining in real life terms the tragedies and challenges homeless youth face, especially LGBT homeless youth.

She also revealed she was a homeless teen, a fact not known to many, and one that may explain her devotion to helping homeless youth.

Lauper said her iconic song, “True Colors,” which has been adopted by many as a theme and as an LGBT anthem, allowed her to speak with LGBT youths, many who were homeless.

Listening to these stories, it changed me. Maybe there’s something I can do besides just being a famous person and singing to them.”

That’s why she started her True Colors Fund, which “works to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth, creating a world in which young people can be their true selves.”

Basically, the kids come out and they get thrown out. Truth is, they didn’t choose their identity. You know, it’s like you choosing the color of your eyes. You know, you’re born that way. If it’s a faith issue, I implore you not to pray to God to change your kid. Pray to God to change your heart.”

The hearing was led by the subcommittee’s Chair, GOP Senator Susan Collins of Maine.

Watch this video, please, share it, and use the hashtags #40toNoneDay and #Pizza4Equality, which is a fundraiser started by LGBT activist Scott Wooledge to help homeless kids and the True Colors Fund.

https://twitter.com/cyndilauper/status/593394451940298752

Ground Breaking Australian Coming of Age LGBT Teen Drama Could Becoming Soon

Australian’s are on verge of seeing a new groundbreaking television drama on the TV screens.

The planned TV series ‘Subject to Change’, focuses on the lives of high-school students. However, what sets this project apart from others, is that its central characters identify as either gay, lesbian or bisexual.

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The pilot episode of of the show was filmed in Sydney last month and is currently in post production. The producers are planning worldwide film festival release next year. Creator/director Daniel Mercieca said ‘Subject to Change’ comes at an important time for Australia’s TV landscape, which is at a “turning point”.

“The arrival of streaming services like Netflix, Stan and Presto means Australians will be able to watch the quality TV they want to watch – when and where they want to watch – not just the ‘safe’ programs

Subject to Change has strongest appeal with a young adult demographic (15-35) yet still can find an emotional connection with all viewers, in a similar way to Puberty Blues. It is relatable, realistic and gritty.”

Daniel Mercieca

Star of the show, Maryann Wright said the series had international potential and said off the back of the trailer alone she had been contacted by overseas teens coming to terms with their own sexuality.

“It’s a coming-of-age show, no matter what sexuality you are. At 16 you’re figuring out who you are, what type of person you want to become

With this project there is a mix of characters but the focus is on LGBT characters which exist in every school. The show is bringing a normalcy that already exists in society to the TV screen. It doesn’t try to legitimate, it illuminates and it’s a long time coming.”

Maryann Wright

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James Ritchie added that traditionally gay characters had occupied a niche onscreen presence, such as “funny sidekick”, but rarely as central figures.

“In the past, it has been difficult to see these kinds of characters portrayed without stereotype. To have this project where they are not seen as novelties but instead as true and deep and meaningful characters makes our job a lot easier.”

James Ritchie

Glow Worm Films, the production house responsible for the pilot, remain in negotiation to bring a fully-fledged series to

For more information visit: subjecttochange.com.au

Stonewall Launches ‘Coming Out’ Guidance for Young People

Stonewall has launched a new guide for young people who think they might be lesbian, gay or bisexual.

‘ComingOut: Answers to Some of the Questions You May Have’ discusses in plain English issues including religion, having children, getting married and bullying at school.

Stonewall’s research shows that homophobic bullying remains endemic in British schools and that many young people still feel isolated and unsupported when coming out. Coming Out provides practical information on how to talk to friends and family as well as information on how to access support that is available across the country.

“Coming out can be a daunting and confusing time for young people. Our latest guidance addresses many of the common questions that this process presents in a positive and down-to-earth way that young people can relate to and understand.”

Wayne Dhesi, Stonewall’s Youth Coordinator

Stonewall’s Coming Out guide follows on from ‘So you think your child is gay?’ – a guide for parents who think their child might be lesbian, gay or bisexual. The new resource will be distributed to local authorities, schools, libraries and community and youth groups across Britain.

Coming Out: Answers to Some of the Questions You May Have can be downloaded from Stonewall’s website: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/coming_out.pdf

Cyndi Lauper Opens Housing for LGBT Youth in New York

Cyndi Lauper’s hit song ‘True Colors’ took on a new meaning when the True Colors Residence for homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth opened its doors in Harlem.

The New York City’s street plays home to an increasing number homeless youth identify as LGBT, with reports indicating that these young people often face discrimination and at times physical assault.

The idea behind the 30-bed facility, was conceived by Lauper, her manager and the West End Intergenerational Residence, a non-profit that provides housing and support for homeless families and seniors.

The True Colors Residence will be the first permanent housing facility in New York for homeless LGBT+ youth.

“In New York City, a very disproportionate number (up to 40 percent) of homeless youth identify as LGBT+ Even more disturbing are reports that these young people often face discrimination and at times physical assault in some of the very places they have to for help. This is shocking and inexcusable!..

…I believe a strong society is an inclusive society. If we want to win big then we’d better include everybody because we need everybody,”

Cyndi Lauper

Lauper has long been an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. In 2007, she created the True Colors Tour, in which she performed and talked about LGBT+ issues with Erasure, The B-52s, the Indigo Girls, Deborah Harry and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.

Then in 2008, she founded the True Colors Fund, a non-profit for the advancement of LGBT+ equality.

The True Colors Residence was subsequently constructed. The new energy-efficient building contains 30 studio apartments for youth aged 18 to 24 to live in, and indoor and outdoor community space. Residents will pay rent based on their income and receive job placement help.

Lauper will be the honorary chair of the shelter’s board, and her manager, Lisa Barbaris, will be the board’s honorary vice chair.

“Our primary goal is to provide a physically and emotionally safe and supportive environment that will empower our young residents to be the self-loving, happy and successful individuals they were meant to be.”

Cyndi Lauper

Lauper wrote.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has already started referring homeless and disconnected youth to the True Colors Residence.

“We have about 1,000 people a year come here. And at least 20 to 25 percent of those individuals face an issue of homelessness or are under-housed at some point in their adolescence.”

Carrie Davis, the director of community services at The Center.

Carl Siciliano, the founder and executive director of the Ali Forney Center, agreed that the new shelter was a much-needed facility.

“There are fewer than 200 beds for homeless youth in New York City, and fewer than ten beds for homeless LGBT+ youth. So every new bed aimed at this new population is really a matter of life and death that could get kids off the street.”

Carl Siciliano

Lauper’s new shelter is part of a slowly growing movement that’s calling attention to the plight of homeless LGBT+ youth in New York. In 2009, Mayor Bloomberg’s office created a 25-member Commission for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Runaway and Homeless Youth. The director of the commission is Jeanne B. Mullgrav, the commissioner of the Department of Youth and Community Development.

“We are ecstatic that, with the opening of the True Colors Residence, more housing and services will be available to help our most vulnerable youth succeed and thrive . In 2010, Mayor Bloomberg’s Commission on L.G.B.T.Q. Runaway and Homeless Youth report high-lighted that LGBTQ youth are particularly at risk of leaving home. In response, the Commission recommended the addition of beds and specialized services for this population, so we are especially pleased to see this vision becoming a reality.”

Jeanne B. Mullgrav

 

A ‘Night Of A Thousand Judys’ Benefit For Homeless LGBT Youth

In aid of homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth – the worlds of Broadway, folk-rock, television and cabaret will come together  for ‘Night of a Thousand Judys’. In its fourth year, the night features performances by Broadway’s Rory O’Malley and Sierra Boggess, “Queer as Folk” star Randy Harrison and singer-songwriter Erin McKeown.

In previous years, ‘Night of a Thousand Judys’ has been timed to coincide with LGBT Pride Month and will benefit the Ali Forney Center, a New York advocacy group dedicated to homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

The show has really become an event, something each of us on the team look forward to every year. But more so than any of the specifics, it becomes a celebration of this iconic performer that we all adore. At the core of what makes Judy Garland great is her vulnerability. Every song is a master class in giving.

Justin Sayre

Judy Garland was the stage name of Frances Ethel Gumm, born in the homey state of Minnesota in the U.S.A. to a family of vaudeville performers. With her girl-next-door charm and a craft honed by simply making the performance arts her life from the start, it was no surprise that the talent scouts and casting agents for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studios had her sign on at the age of thirteen. This was an awkward age in the industry, with Judy being too young to be considered a child star, and too young for adult roles. Still, her versatility shone through in her first few roles.

At the age of sixteen, she landed the role of Dorothy Gale in a movie musical version of The Wizard of Oz. Her natural doe-eyed innocence combined with her warmly golden singing voice made Judy Garland a shoe-in for the 1940’s Academy Awards, after which she became MGM’s most valuable member of their roster of talents.

Despite this acclaim, Garland remained deeply insecure. She reportedly felt that her work had stolen her childhood, and grew increasingly anxious about her public image transitioning as she took on more mature roles. Other personal troubles of Judy Garland included divorces, family estrangement, substance abuse and suicide attempts. While Garland would invariably light up the screen with her performances and a seemingly effortless starlet glow, the pressures behind the scenes too quickly wore thin. These may have contributed to her deteriorating heath and eventual death from an accidental overdose of sedatives. She was only forty-seven years of age.

Whether it is her glamour, beauty, and talent that is so memorable, or the admiration for her success despite overwhelming personal struggles, Judy Garland had gained a devoted fan base in gay subculture. In an 1960’s press conference held in San Francisco, a reporter enquired Garland’s opinion on her gay fans.

She simply responded,

I sing to people.”