May 1 in Philly: 40th Anniversary of LGBT Movement

Cyndi Lauper Headlines Free Concert in Philadelphia on May 1st
02/26/2005 (08:02 AM)

US Newswire 202-347-2770

Cyndi Lauper Headlines Free Concert in Philadelphia on May 1st at 40th Anniversary of GLBT Civil Rights Movement To: City Desk Contact: Dan Wagner, 215-732-3378 ext. 10 or 617-320-2164 (cell); Malcolm Lazin, 215-732-7375 or 215-850-8751 (cell), both of the Equality Forum

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 24 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Equality Forum announced today that Cyndi Lauper will headline the free afternoon concert at the National Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the GLBT Civil Rights Movement at Independence Hall on Sunday, May 1.

"Cyndi Lauper's music and message appeal to every generation of the GLBT community," said Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. "We love her music, from 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' and 'True Colors' to her more recent hits. But Cyndi is more than a gay icon. She has been a major straight ally in the struggle for GLBT rights, steadfastly and forcefully defending our civil rights for nearly two decades. We are proud to have one of the first public advocates of GLBT equality performing at the National Celebration on Independence Mall," Lazin said.

"I believe that everyone, including members of the GLBT community, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. I am honored to take part in this unprecedented National Celebration. This is a great opportunity to respond to those who are trying to push gays and lesbians back into the closet," said Lauper. "Like the 1963 demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial, the National Celebration will be a milestone in the history of this ongoing civil rights movement."

Equality Forum 2005 features over 70 programs, parties and special events. More than 105 local and national non-profits and twenty-eight national and international GLBT Executive Directors will be participating. There will also be State Receptions for over thirty states and the District of Columbia on Saturday, April 30.

The concert on Independence Mall will last from 5 to 7 p.m., as part of the National Celebration's sixteen hours of film screenings, panel discussions, tributes to pioneers and heroes of the Gay civil rights movement, and street festival. Following the activities on the Mall, there will be three parties, including one at the Real World Philadelphia House.

There is no registration fee for Equality Forum 2005 and all substantive events including the National Celebration are free.

For more information, visit http://www.equalityforum.com or contact Dan Wagner, Communications Associate at dan(At)equalityforum.com or (215) 732-3378 x10.

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