Cyndi Lauper Headlines Summer Tour For Gay Rights

When Cyndi Lauper took the stage with Patti Labelle on a 1985 television special, people thought it was career suicide. With her first album, She's So Unusual, many people took her for a record label creation--heavy on attitude, light on talent. But Labelle, known for blasting other singers out of the water with her powerhouse vocals, had met her match. Lauper held her own, and won the respect of both music fans and industry insiders alike. More than 20 years later, Lauper is none worse for wear. With a new CD, The Body Acoustic, Lauper is hitting the stage this summer the True Colors Tour--a 15-city engagement to promote the rights of the LGBT community and benefit the Human Rights Campaign.

"As an American I was raised to believe that all people have the right to live with the same dignity, opportunity and safety. This should include everyone no matter what gender or sexual orientation."

The Grammy Award-winning vocalist will be joined by Erasure, Deborah Harry, The Dresden Dolls, Gossip and The Misshapes. Comedian Margaret Cho will be hosting the tour, and Rufus Wainwright, Rosie O'Donnell and The Indigo Girls will also join for selected dates. The True Colors Tour kicks off June 8 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets go on sale March 16.