Cyndi Lauper Won't Cancel N.C. Concert, Donating Proceeds to Charity

In a statement, the '80s icon said the show must go on.

Eighties icon Cyndi Lauper announced that she will not be cancelling a scheduled concert in North Carolina this June in response to the state’s recently passed anti-LGBT bill.

In a statement released Wednesday, Lauper explained that she opposes House Bill 2, which forces the state’s trans residents to use the public restrooms and locker rooms that do not match their gender identity. That’s precisely why she believes the show must go on.

“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,” Lauper said. “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.”

She noted that she will be donating the proceeds to Equality North Carolina and other local nonprofits working to fight anti-LGBT legislation.

“The pressure to repeal HB2 is building and it is beautiful,” she wrote. “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.”

When it comes to celebrity allyship, however, Lauper has long led the way. In 2012, the singer founded a homeless center for queer youth in Los Angeles. Through her True Colors Fund charity, Lauper continues to be a tireless advocate for ending LGBT youth homelessness.

Lauper isn’t the first to use her platform to benefit LGBT people in North Carolina. Last Friday, Community star Joel McHale made an appearance at the Durham Performing Arts Center to perform stand-up. During his routine, he said that he would be giving the money he earned from the show to the LGBTQ Center of Durham.

In the past week, musicians Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr have pulled out of public appearances in the Tar Heel State.