Lauper hits creative note to fight HB2 at Raleigh show
Just hours after former Beatle Ringo Starr canceled an upcoming performance in Cary over opposition to the passing of HB2, another performer has taken action against the controversial bill.
Unlike Starr, who had been scheduled to play the Koka Booth Amphitheatre on June 18, or Bruce Springsteen, who canceled a Greensboro appearance earlier this month, Cyndi Lauper's approach was more like Jimmy Buffet's, who did not cancel performances despite his distaste for the bill.
In fact, Lauper's Raleigh show will go on, with an added twist.
Read more: Reaction swift, mixed to McCrory's HB2 announcement
Read her statement below for full details:
"Sadly, once again, the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have been trampled on with the recent passage of HB2 in North Carolina. Me and my team at the True Colors Fund have been closely monitoring the situation in North Carolina and support the efforts of the Human Rights Campaign, Equality North Carolina, and others to repeal HB2 in the upcoming legislative session. The pressure to repeal HB2 is building and it is beautiful.
In the dark haze of such oppression, people and companies are stepping up to fight back against this unjust law and ensure that all North Carolinians are treated with dignity and respect, especially the transgender community. I have seen time and time again what can happen when people join together to do what is fair and the effort to repeal HB2 is the right and fair thing to do. I am hopeful that all of the current efforts to repeal HB2 will be successful and the True Colors Fund and I will continue to do all that we can to help.
In that vein, the best way I know how to make a difference is what I have strived to do my whole life and that is show up for my family, friends, and fans in the LGBT community. So, for that reason I think the best way I can do my part is to turn my show in Raleigh on June 4th into an entire day to build public support to repeal HB2.
I will be donating all of the profits from the show to Equality North Carolina's efforts to repeal HB2 and I am proud of my manager and agent for joining me in this effort by donating their commissions from the show to this vital effort. I look forward to coming to North Carolina and standing up for equality and fairness. If we truly want an inclusive society, we all have to include ourselves in the effort to make that happen. This is the best way I know how to include myself and urge you to join me in the best way you know how."
