Lauper loves Obama's true colors

Singer Cyndi Lauper applauded President Obama’s decision to support gay marriage, saying in a statement that “President Obama continues to be a true leader for equality and I have never been prouder to call him my president than I am today.”

“The president’s support of marriage equality gives hope and encouragement to the millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people who feel ostracized and alone. The words of the president have reinforced that they are worthy of dignity, respect, and love – just like everyone else,” Lauper said Wednesday.


(Also on POLITICO: Obama's gay marriage quotes)

Lauper is in town this week to draw awareness to the plight of gay and transgendered homeless youth — and gave her thoughts on the president’s evolving views on gay marriage during an interview with POLITICO in advance of Obama’s interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts.

“I look forward to him evolving,” said Lauper, who supports gay marriage. “I think he’s doing great, and I think he was given such a mess that even at the time of the election, nobody had any idea how deep that mess really was. So I am all for him and I am all for him evolving. And I love him. He’s inspiring to me. Very inspiring.”

Lauper, known primarily for such 1980s hits as “True Colors” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” seemed forgiving of Obama’s slow walk on the issue of gay marriage, saying, “He’s also got his own personal beliefs and he’s also probably got a religion thing that’s personal. And, you know what? We live in a free country. We have separation of church and state.”

The pop star accepted an award Wednesday from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for her work on ending homelessness through her True Colors Fund, which advocates equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Lauper is set to spend Thursday meeting with lawmakers to push for funding to help homeless youth.

She called the issue an “epidemic,” and said that up to 40 percent of homeless youth are gay or transgendered.

“When a kid is out on the street, it’s nasty and you want to come to some place where you feel welcome and safe,” said Lauper. “We should nurture all the kids because you never know who’s going to be the one that’s the genius. Genius doesn’t come in color and gender or preference.”