Cyndi Lauper To Open Housing for LGBT Youth

Next month, Cyndi Lauper's 1986 hit "True Colors" takes on new meaning when the True Colors Residence for homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (L.G.B.T.) youth opens in Harlem on September 1.

The idea behind the 30-bed facility was conceived by Lauper, her manager and the West End Intergenerational Residence, a non-profit that provides housing and support for homeless families and seniors.

The True Colors Residence will be the first permanent housing facility in New York for homeless L.G.B.T. youth.

"In New York City, a very disproportionate number (up to 40 percent) of homeless youth identify as L.G.B.T.," the Queens singer, actress and writer said in a letter urging donors to support the project. "Even more disturbing are reports that these young people often face discrimination and at times physical assault in some of the very places they have to for help. This is shocking and inexcusable!"

Lauper has long been an advocate for LGBT rights. In 2007, she created the True Colors Tour, in which she performed and talked about LGBT issues. She founded the True Colors Fund in 2008, a non-profit for the advancement of LGBT equality.

Read more at WNYC.org