Set Visit: Cyndi Lauper Helps "As the World Turns" Celebrate Gay Pride

Jake is optimistic, saying, “This is a reunion. I think they’re gonna be happy for a little while. I think Noah’s really gonna be there for Luke in the tough times that are ahead for their family.”

Van is a bit more skeptical, adding, “I think that Luke and Noah are getting back together after this happens, and it’ll just be more trials and tribulations. Luke will probably worry a lot, and look through windows longingly a lot.”

He laughs, then adds, "I hope that they just continue to tell the stories the way they have been and to treat Luke and Noah the way they’ve been treated, like any other couple." When the word "affair" comes up, Van perks up noticeably. "I hope so! It’sl ike Saint Luke and Saint Noah – I hope so! That’d be fun. Whatever, they’ll probably like Noah, nobody likes Luke. It’s true! Everyone likes Noah; no one likes Luke!"

But enough about the messy breakup. Let's get back to the task at hand: Namely, the woman whose She's So Unusual album was the first cassette I ever bought, playing cupid to daytime's most fully realized gay love story.

When asked why she decided to appear a soap opera in the first place, Lauper gives an answer that would do any gay man proud: "You know, Joan Crawford did a soap opera, so I got very excited, because my favorite movie is Mildred Pierce. But I’m gonna take my cue from Tootsie, be more like that Dustin Hoffman thing, kinda roll with it."

We’re ushered back to the Yo’s set, and while Cyndi is doing her soundcheck (a true pro, the girl knows her product and won’t let the cameras roll until everything’s perfect), a parade of young men and women of all shapes and sizes are walked past.

Wait, is this Oakdale’s hidden gay population?

In fact, they are. (Although I still have suspicions that they bussed them in from Chicago.) It’s an impressively diverse bunch in terms of race, age, body type, and style, and really not at all unlike one you’d see if you walked into any gay bar.

The extras are brought into the bar and Cyndi launches into the first single off her new dance album, “Into the Nightlife”. The crowd is into it, but Luke and Noah of course have their own drama going on, with Noah and Tony making a quick exit and Luke following.

Later, Lauper performs “True Colors” to the crowd, and pulls Luke onstage to sing directly to him. Van and Jake shoot their dialogue scenes with Cyndi, and it’s a wrap. And although Cyndi’s visit may have brought Luke and Noah together for the time being, there’s of course a surprise or two right around the corner.

Whatever might be in store for the couple, there’s no denying that daytime television’s first Pride – a Pride filled with joy and heart and imbued with an unquestionably positive message about acceptance surrounding a gay love story – is something to celebrate.

As Jake put it, “I think it’s a real nexus point. They’re having problems and I think Cyndi Lauper really brings out their True Colors. You can print that.”