Time after time, Cyndi Lauper continues to dazzle

By Maria Winnie

The musical legend and style guru who has become an icon in the LGBT community worldwide is back on stage and performing with the same enthusiasm she did more than two and a half decades ago.

Through our interview, I realized that Lauper is pretty down-to-earth as celebrities go, in spite of her iconic fashion statements and go get-em’ attitude.

The focus and devotion that she brings to her causes shines through, and is an inspiration. Her current causes include the Trevor Project, a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBT youth and the Give a Damn campaign, which launched in 2010 and champions LGBT equality. She is also a spokeswoman for the MAC AIDS Fund/Viva Glam campaign, which, according to the website: “funds innovative programs that deal directly with the most marginalized, stigmatized and under-heard victims.”

These are just a handful of Lauper’s current projects. She, like many other high-profile celebrities, continues to use her social clout to champion causes devoted to equality and outreach. She spoke about her iconic status and staying grounded in this Out Front Colorado exclusive interview.

What do you think of Willie Nelson’s cover of “Time After Time”?
I love Willie Nelson. It’s great to hear his voice singing my words.

Did he consult you, and have you ever worked with him?
He did not. I haven’t worked with him but would love to. I’m a fan! Hear that, Mr. Nelson? Make it happen!

What role does your sexuality play in the creation or performance of your music? How does that inform your public image?
I don’t think my sexuality has anything to do with it. I think when you write a song, you write from a position of a human being. It’s not a “straight” [or gay perspective, but the perspective of a] human being. I’m a little confused by the question … I don’t think there is different perspective. We all have the same hopes and fears …

Your work with the Trevor Project and the MAC Foundation’s fight against AIDS is inspiring, and you’re vocal about health and equality for everyone. How do you feel about being an icon (and a legend) in the LGBT community?
I really don’t like being labeled as an icon. I am just someone who has been lucky enough to have some celebrity to help shine a light on the discrimination the gay and transgender people face each and every day in this country. Being honored by gay rights groups means a great deal to me, because these organizations are doing the really hard and important work. I have had the opportunity to work with many of these groups. I continue to be amazed by the level of commitment and passion that their staff, volunteers and members have for the community and for equality.

We’ve probably all heard about the airport gig you did back in March. The prevailing attitude seems to be that people are impressed by how down to earth you are. Would you consider yourself grounded?
Being a mother and wife keeps me grounded. Having real friends that don’t take any nonsense and who are always honest keep me grounded.

Your musical career has been instrumental in the revolution for women, especially in terms of embracing who we are as women. What’s the one thing you’d like to see change in popular culture’s mind?
I’d like to see the belief that “[as] you get older you have less to say” change.

You’ve been a successful performer for years now. How has your relationship with performance changed over the years?
I still love to perform as much today as I had when I first started. I take it seriously but I also have great fun.

Is your stint with acting purely for fun? Tell me about acting and directing, and what’s exciting or fulfilling about that.
I would love to do more of both. I’ve directed most of my [own] videos, directed a video from another band and did a commercial for Hasbro. I would love to do more. I have fun acting, but I take it seriously. I work hard to make sure I know the character I’m playing. I work with an acting coach – and with my husband – to make sure I’m completely prepared by the first day.

Is there anything that you remember in particular about performing in Denver? I’ve heard “It’s hard to breathe up here!” from literally EVERY non-local musician I’ve seen in Denver, but I haven’t heard much else.
Denver crowds are great. That’s what I remember most. Great listeners and great interaction.

Lauper is performing Nov. 1 at the Ogden Theater. The singer also recently released a live concert DVD ‘To Memphis, With Love’ Oct. 25. For more information visit http://cyndilauper.com.