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Originally reported here on Cyndi Lauper Daily Dot Com in September 2010 and scheduled for December 2010, the OUTMUSIC Awards were postponed due to economic difficulties. However, in response to the postponement, the organisation has received overwhelming offers of support from companies and individuals in the community.
The 7th Annual OUTMUSIC Awards returns to centre stage for a night of prestige and honour at Irving Plaza, 23rd May 2011 at 8 p.m. Hosted by the LGBT Academy of Recording Arts (LARA), this year’s awards show celebrates 20 years of music history while honouring and documenting the contributions of openly LGBTQ recording artists and performers in the music industry. A list of nominees is available at www.outmusicawards.com.
THE OMA PERSON OF THE YEAR CYNDI LAUPER
This award is bestowed upon a person who has been a pillar in our community, an ally and a friend, a pioneer in launching productions and events in support of LGBT Equal Rights, volunteering and sacrifice of self to help in the efforts to end homophobia and discrimination.
An unwavering advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality since the start of her career, Cyndi created the True Colors Tour in 2007. The Tour has brought together artists like Erasure, The B-52s, the Indigo Girls, Deborah Harry and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts for shows that successfully merge great music and public awareness about the issues facing the LGBT community.
To further her role as an activist, Cyndi founded the True Colors Fund in 2008. The non-profit seeks to inspire and engage everyone, particularly the straight community, to become involved in the advancement of LGBT equality. The Fund recently launched the Give a Damn Campaign, an extensive and innovative online public education and awareness initiative.
In addition, Cyndi is the Honorary Chairperson of the True Colors Residence, the first project of its kind to provide a permanent, supportive and secure home to formerly homeless LGBT youth in New York City.
In appreciation for her work, Cyndi has been honoured by many organisations including the Human Rights Campaign, GLSEN and PFLAG.
"It's an honour to always have the genuine affection of the gay community," Cyndi says. "They have never turned their back on me. I will never turn my back on them. We've had a long and enduring love affair."
Cyndi is also a tireless participant in the struggle to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Most recently, Cyndi joined Lady Gaga to be the spokespeople for the 2010 MAC Viva Glam Campaign and to educate woman about HIV/AIDS around the world.
She also continues to participate in efforts and events for organisations like AMFAR, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Gay Men's Health Crisis in order to speak out about the need for education and greater resources to fight this disease.
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