She’s still unusual

NATHAN HERON
With her eccentric style, contagious energy and signature New York accent, it’s no wonder Cyndi Lauper’s affinity with the gay community has been an enduring love affair.

Her performance at Mardi Gras’ 30th birthday party this year was the highlight of the event. And let’s face it, her performance was more a case of when rather than if.

That the timing perfectly coincided with the protest’s third decade milestone was a bonus -” and one all those present to witness the performance will be forever grateful for.

The larger than life icon has not only set pulses racing with her new dance album Bring Ya To The Brink, which she co-wrote and co-produced with the likes of Basement Jaxx, but she’s also been on a mission to help educate the wider community on gay rights.

A lot of people don’t understand the discrepancy within the war against the GLBT community, because they’re not in it, Lauper told Sydney Star Observer.

They’re busy struggling in their own life. They don’t realise that in 31 [US] states you can still be fired from your job.

I’m a friend and family member [of the gay community]. I’m either your evil sister or your cousin.

Cynthia Ann Stephanie Cyndi Lauper was born on June 22, 1953. The award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress became a household name in 1983 with the release of the album She’s So Unusual and became the first artist in history to have four top five singles released from one album.

Lauper has gone on to release 11 albums and more than 40 singles, selling more than 55 million albums worldwide, and continues to tour as a vocal supporter of human rights.

Perhaps one of Lauper’s most endearing qualities is her sense of compassion. Although the 1986 hit True Colors was initially her healing song after the loss of a close friend to AIDS in late 1985, Lauper fervently lent her voice to the greater good upon discovering the song’s impact.

It wasn’t one letter, it wasn’t 10 letters, it was every other letter that came and said how their life went … how they were disenfranchised by their friends and their family and their jobs at a young age … how they felt suicidal but then they heard True Colors and it helped them through, the Grammy and Emmy winner said.

And then all of a sudden I realised what the song meant to the community. Before that, I had no idea.

On her recent tour, the 55-year-old was joined by an array of talents including Carson Kressley, Tegan and Sara, Rosie O’Donnell and the B-52s in an effort to raise awareness of gay rights. Although the second annual tour has ended, Lauper’s message lives on.

Nobody asks or decides to be who they are. The truth is you are who you are; you’re born that way -” it’s okay if you’re different, Lauper said.

The people who are really going to change this world are the parents. If you raise your kid to be fearful and hate people who are different, that’s going to eat that kid up.

When Lauper has something to say, the world listens -” this is one woman who knows how to make a valid point resonate as successfully as she fills the dance floors.

And while she’s been addressing some fairly serious issues, Lauper still knows how to stir up a storm of fun.

I try to include everybody in my music … Put your red shoes on and dance! Have a good time!

info: Bring Ya Back To The Brink is out now through SonyBMG. To find out more about Cyndi Lauper visit www.cyndilauper.com.