Fundamental Rights: Cyndi Lauper

Grrrrrrrrl Power!
Cyndi Lauper

It's official. Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights!

Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist and activist Cyndi Lauper has designed and released her official “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights” t-shirt. Inspired by the menagerie of protest signs using this empowering slogan during the worldwide Women’s March that took place on January 21st, Cyndi has partnered with Omaze in honor of Women’s History Month to raise vital funding for Planned Parenthood and the True Colors Fund.

“As I marched down the streets of New York City in January amongst a beautiful array of people of every sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and nationality, I was blown away to see so many people embracing the message of “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights’ on their handmade signs,” said Cyndi Lauper. “Seeing this anthem continue to empower so many people to speak out and get involved, I was inspired to find new ways to further spread this powerful message of equality and justice for all. I am hopeful that this t-shirt will raise much needed funds to support the important work of Planned Parenthood and the True Colors Fund.”

Cyndi’s official “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights” t-shirt is available starting today at www.omaze.com/fun and can be purchased for $25. A sweatshirt is also available for $39. The net proceeds from each t-shirt and sweatshirt sold will be donated to Planned Parenthood and the True Colors Fund.

About Omaze
Founded by Matt Pohlson and Ryan Cummins, Omaze is a fundraising platform that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences and exclusive merchandise to raise funds and awareness for today’s most important causes. By leveraging the power of audiences and technology, Omaze is radically changing charitable giving and streamlining public participation with charitable campaigns to create impact in real time. Since launching in 2012, Omaze has impacted more than 200 charities and received donations from over 175 countries. For more information please visit omaze.com.

About Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California 
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) is the statewide public policy office representing California’s seven Planned Parenthood affiliates. Through advocacy and electoral action, PPAC advocates for sound public policy in areas of reproductive and preventive health care, family planning and comprehensive sexual health education and information. For more information about Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, please visit www.ppactionca.org.

About True Colors Fund
The True Colors Fund, co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, works nationally to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. In America, up to 40 percent of the 1.6 million youth that are homeless each year identify as LGBT. Yet, only seven percent of the general youth population is LGBT. The most cited reason for this disproportionate rate is family rejection due to the young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Through a broad continuum of advocacy, training & education, and youth collaboration programs, the True Colors Fund is creating a world in which all young people can be their true selves. For more information about the True Colors Fund, please visit www.truecolorsfund.org.  

Michael's Musings

Don't Bother Me I'm In Leather
Michael Shinafelt

As I sit at my computer finishing off a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, my mind starts to wander and wonder - WTF is happening to the world?!

Sometimes I retreat to my Purple Room for solace. This week has sort of been the week I tuned a lot of the static out. One must do that these days on occasion to keep ones sanity.

Right now the only vision dancing in my head is that of hitting spin class tomorrow morning. That means this weeks thoughts may be a little tainted with a view from my bubble. That's the way it goes!

The La La Land awards, I mean Academy Awards are this Sunday. Note to self: Stock up on the wine.

Speaking of wine, just had a lovely evening drinking it and having nosh with Scott Jacobs, thus the glass I am finishing up.

Is Caitlyn Jenner the ambassador on behalf of the LGBT community to the Agent Orange administration? I thought they already filled the position of narcissist reality show star in the White House.

I still have to watch the premiere of the final season of Bates Motel, just sayin'...

Fuck the rain, I'm over it! 

Trump officially rescinds Obama's protection of transgender students. Where are the backwoods Hillbilly's from Deliverance when you need them?

Hey America, clean up on aisle 45, there's a pile of shit.

Feud
Joan Crawford & Bette Davis
Eden Sassoon & Lisa Rinna

Weirdest reality show feud ever? Lisa Rinna & Eden Sassoon on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. It's pretty Freudian. 

If you could teleport yourself by blinking your eyes ... where would you go right now?

"When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. It may take seconds to say, but for them, it could last a lifetime"

What's your safe word? Mine is flan.

And with that revelation I am off this electronic device and onto another one.

Bare witness to me at:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Cyndi Lauper & Friends

Let's get charitable...

Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund (www.truecolorsfund.org) announced the lineup for its 6th annual “Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays” benefit concert on Saturday, December 3 at New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre to raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth homelessness. 100 percent of the net proceeds from the concert will support the True Colors Fund’s programs.

Cyndi Lauper will be joined on stage this year by Aloe Blacc, Ballets with a Twist, Big Thief, Billy Corgan, Grace VanderWaal, Judy Gold, Kate Bornstein, Maya Jupiter, Oxymorrons, Sara Ramirez, Sharon Van Etten, Theresa Caputo, Tyler Glenn, and host Carson Kressley. Additional guests will be announced soon. Tickets are available to the general public at Ticketmaster.com.

“For the sixth year, ‘Home for the Holidays’ will bring together an incredible group of performers to support the True Colors Fund’s work to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth," said Lauper, the organization’s co-founder. “Our voices are stronger when we say something together. I’m so grateful to the artists, who are donating their time and talent to bring attention to this very important cause.”

In America, up to 40 percent of the 1.6 million youth that are homeless each year identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Yet, less than seven percent of the general youth population is LGBT. The most cited reason for this disproportionate rate is family rejection due to the young person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Co-founded by Cyndi Lauper, the True Colors Fund works nationally to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Through a broad continuum of public engagement, public policy, youth collaboration, research, and community organizing programs, the True Colors Fund is creating a world in which young people can be their true selves.

Some highlights of the True Colors Fund’s work this year include:
 

• Hosting the second annual #40toNoneDay, a national day to raise awareness about LGBT youth homelessness, which reached over 98 million people online.
• Partnering with The White House to conduct a Policy Briefing on Youth Homelessness to help prioritize the needs of youth experiencing homelessness within the Federal Government.
• Launching the National Youth Forum on Homelessness, a youth-led project focused on ending youth homelessness in America, in partnership with the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
• Releasing At the Intersections, the most comprehensive resource on LGBT youth homelessness, in partnership with the National LGBTQ Task Force.
• Holding the third annual sold out 40 to None Summit, the only national annual gathering focused on innovative solutions to end LGBT youth homelessness in America.
• Training it's second class of True Fellows, young LGBT leaders with experiences of homelessness, who conduct six-month service projects in their communities.
• Releasing its second annual 40 of the 40 list, which highlights 40 LGBT young people who have experiences with homelessness and provides them with opportunities to engage in the organization’s work.
• Providing free tools, resources, and training through its 40 to None Network for service providers and communities around the country to aid them in providing safe, inclusive, and welcoming support to LGBT youth experiencing homelessness.

“Home for the Holidays” is proud to have the support of: Platinum Sponsors Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Van Gogh Vodka; Gold Sponsors The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Jujamcyn Theaters; Silver Sponsors Kinky Boots, The Madison Square Garden Company, Masie Productions, Reveal, Stifel, and Keith Bell, Licensed Acupuncturist.

ABOUT THE TRUE COLORS FUND
Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist and advocate Cyndi Lauper co-founded the True Colors Fund to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Through a broad continuum of public engagement, public policy, youth collaboration, research, and community organizing programs, the True Colors Fund is creating a world in which young people can be their true selves. www.truecolorsfund.org

For more information please visit www.truecolorsfund.org/homefortheholidays. 

"True Colors" Cyndi Lauper

Performing for LGBT Youth Tomorrow Night in Los Angeles, CA

The True Colors Fund is excited to announce the lineup and honorees for its sold out inaugural Cyndi Lauper’s Damn Gala, taking place at the Hollywood Athletic Club on Sunday, October 9th in Los Angeles, CA. The organization, co-founded by Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winning artist Cyndi Lauper to prevent and end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth, will feature a keynote address from Secretary Julián Castro of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“The True Colors Fund is honored that Secretary Castro will provide the keynote at our inaugural Damn Gala,” said Cyndi Lauper, co-founder of the True Colors Fund. “For the past four years, we have had the great privilege to partner with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to pilot and advance new solutions to prevent and end LGBT youth homelessness. We will end youth homelessness in America and, due to the strategic and innovative leadership of Secretary Castro and the team at HUD, tremendous progress has already been made.”

                                                              True Colors

The Damn Gala, which will feature performances by Ms. Lauper and True Colors Fund Board Member and Tony Award winning artist Sara Ramirez, will pay tribute to USA Network and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. James Paxton and Tyler Young, stars of USA Network’s upcoming series, EYEWITNESS, premiering October 16th, will be presenting the network with its award. The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s award will be presented by Marc Malkin, Managing Editor and Correspondent at E! News, and his husband Fabian Quezada-Malkin. In addition, Phoebe VanCleefe and Kahlib Barton, two of True Colors Fund’s extraordinary youth leaders, will present TED-style talks, while True Colors Fund Board Member and Emmy Award winning personality Carson Kressley will serve as the evening’s host.

“We are excited to honor USA Network and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, two of our longest and closest partners in the effort to end LGBT youth homelessness in America,” said Gregory Lewis, Executive Director & CEO of the True Colors Fund. “For over 40 years, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has been a national leader in providing life-saving services for LGBT youth experiencing homelessness. USA Network has worked tirelessly to open countless hearts and minds through its programming and its public service campaign Characters Unite, which was created to address the social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent in our society. Both USA Network and the Los Angeles LGBT Center have been true leaders in creating a more accepting and affirming society for LGBT youth and we look forward to celebrating them at Cyndi Lauper’s Damn Gala.”

The Damn Gala is supported by Platinum Sponsors NCompass, Pride.com (National Media Partner), and Van Gogh Vodka (National Corporate Partner); and Gold Sponsors Angeleno Magazine, Jason Mraz Foundation, and Tylenol PM (National Corporate Partner).

The Damn Gala is currently sold out, but those interested in attending can join the waiting list by emailing RSVP@truecolorsfund.org. If tickets become available, they begin at $500, and tables of ten start at $5,000. For remaining sponsorship opportunities please contact rob@truecolorsfund.org. The net proceeds from the Damn Gala will benefit the True Colors Fund’s work to prevent and end LGBT youth homelessness in America.

To learn more about Cyndi Lauper’s Damn Gala, please visit www.truecolorsfund.org/damngala.  

Got "M.I.L.F. $"?

So Hot & So Cool
Fergie

Being that it is the 4th of July weekend I am taking something of a break and am posting things to help you get in the spirit of the holiday. What better way to party with the most awesome summer anthem you didn't know you needed until now "M.I.L.F. $" by the one and only Fergie!

I love the Duchess Of Cool, yeah that's what I call her, go ahead and use it it you like. 
BTW  for those of you not in the know M.I.L.F. stands for Moms I'd Like To Fuck...and we know those mothers have $$$.

The video is motherfucking off the hook cool! It's concept? "M.I.L.F. Land" a place where women rule with money, sexual wiles and breast feed openly. It features Chrissy Teigen and Kim Kardashian among others. No man stands a chance.

                                                     Welcome To M.I.L.F. Land

An admitted bi-sexual, not a unicorn, Fergie performed at Gay Pride NY last month and has this to say about it:

"The LGBT community has been an ally to me through the years. Since I have been in the entertainment field since I was a child, I have been so supported and have had so many friends who have showed me such compassion and have been there for me"

Glad to have you as an ally Duchess Of Cool!

Get ruled by Fergie at:
www.fergie.com/
https://twitter.com/Fergie   

Show Your Pride #Party2Life

It's Party Time!
Jade Starling

Jade Starling, a songbird by any other name is not the same.

Continuing to enjoy a career resurgence highlighted by last fall’s celebrated return to the Billboard Dance charts with her highest rankings since her iconic classic hit “Catch Me I’m Falling,” JADE STARLING of Pretty Poison today takes tremendous “pride’ in releasing the “feel good” anthem of the summer, #PARTY2LIFE.

#PARTY2LIFE is a “Celebration of Life” anthem promoting “Solidarity, Unity and Love,” inspired in part by her passionate bond with the LGBT community, for which she has been a career-long advocate. The song arrives at a time when, she says, “we really need to focus on bringing a Positive light into our lives.”

“We can heal through music,” says Jade, “and together we can make a difference.”

#PARTY2LIFE is yet another irresistibly catchy collaboration with Jade’s inseparable writing partner, Whey Cooler, with music by DJ Mike Ferullo of Tazmania Records. The new track is already a Buzz Record and getting adds at Dance Radio.

The #PARTY2LIFE party kicks into high gear this weekend, when the song debuts on the hugely popular Hollywood Hamilton’ National ReMix Top 30 countdown in over 80 radio markets nationwide, New York’s WKTU, a leading IHeart Media affiliate. This Sunday (June 26), Jade will be the Featured Artist on the WKTU Float in the NYC Gay Pride March, performing to a massive live crowd. She will be shooting more footage for her upcoming #PARTY2LIFE music video at the New York Pride March, as well.

Jade also has been busy shooting the #PARTY2LIFE video during performances in both the Washington DC and Philadelphia Pride events. She will be touring extensively in support of this record while working on her next solo album, the follow-up to her critically acclaimed CAPTIVE, which spawned three Billboard club hits, including the #3 smash “Better and Better.”

#PARTY2LIFE includes outstanding remixes by Scene Kings, Luca Debonaire, Pink Panda UK, JJ Muller, and B & B Elektromind. It’s a summer dance package that’s sure to “Bring this #Party2Life!”

Jade Starling on the Web:

www.jadestarling.com

www.facebook.com/likejadestarling

www.twitter.com/jadestarling

www.youtube.com/user/jadeshouse

www.instagram.com/jadestarling#

www.soundcloud.com/jade-starling

Love Triangle: Ian Harvie

Ian Harvie

My buddy, transgender actor/comedian Ian Harvie is appearing on the ABC hit show Mistresses this Monday night. Yay Ian!!!

Ian shot me this exclusive statement about his guest starring role on the nighttime drama:

"I play a character named "Michael Hester" a wealthy financier who moves to Malibu from NY and hires April Malloy to do the interior of his new home, some feelings are stirred and a kind of love triangle is created between Michael, April and April's man, Marc.

This is a modern night time drama, about 3 women who are best friends, and that no matter what they always love each other.. It tackles a lot of great topics including LGBT relationships and non-monogamy, and the writers always leave you hanging!
My run is a 4 episode arch.. 2 episodes have in this 4th season have already aired BUT my episodes start this coming Monday 10pm on ABC"

Thanks Ian, I know where I'll be this Monday at 10!

Ian on social media:
ianharvie.com/
https://twitter.com/ianharvie
https://www.instagram.com/ianharvie/?hl=en

Bruce Springsteen Is Boss

Taking A Stand
Bruce Srpingsteen

Bruce Springsteen used to be called "The Boss," at the height of his career. Well he may no longer be "The Boss" but he still is "Boss" meaning, an excellent and outstanding person. 

He is so "Boss" he cancelled his plans to play his scheduled gigs in Greensboro, North Carolina days ahead of time. Here is the reason he gave:

"As you, my fans, know I'm scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the ‘bathroom' law. HB2—known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act—dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden."

Expanding on his initial statement he also said:  

"It's an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress. Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters."

Not only did I grow up with Bruce's music, my sister Sue Waters is a huge Springsteen fan, and rightfully so. 

Born In the USA!!!

Stand Up With Bruce at: 
brucespringsteen.net/

Matt Zarley Is A "hopefulRomantic"

Broadway veteran, Billboard dance sensation and People Magazine’s first-ever gay “Hottest Bachelor” Matt Zarley has received critical acclaim as an LGBT artist for over a decade since his debut on the music scene.  As one of the first openly gay male artists in music, a lot has changed in the world for the LGBT community. In his latest endeavor, hopefulROMANTIC, Zarley has created an original musical film about one man's emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and healing. It's a universal story about loving, letting go, and holding onto faith that there's somebody for everybody.  In addition, the film also features film and TV icon, Star Trek star and LGBT activist, George Takei. 

The project consists of not only the film but, the original soundtrack and pop album titled “hopefulROMANTIC – The Deluxe Edition,” featuring new, acoustic renditions of songs featured in the film, as well as a bonus video duet with Jeb Havens – all available now!!!

Say Hello, Matt.

Matt Zarley

MS: I was just watching the trailer for "hopefulRomantic" for the third time when you called, it's gained a lot of fans.

MZ:  Yeah, well, thank you. It's really cool.

MS: So, what was the inspiration for the project?

MZ: Originally I was writing a little CD of love songs. Very fond and very sweet, I was in love at the time, in a relationship, very happy. I wrote a song called "Somebody For Everybody" it's very up and fun, and I wanted to stay on that path. A couple of weeks before the writing process for the EP my relationship ended. I was sideswiped, I didn't see it coming, it ended very abruptly. It really broke my heart. Well, than when that happened I wanted the EP to be really different and I wrote the song called "Constantly" which is featured in the film. It's about when you break-up with somebody and you run into each other in the future, you don't want them to see you dying. Your heart is broke and you don't want then to see you like that. All of it is completely opposite of what I meant the EP to be. This message was what was relate able to me at the time and everybody, universal. So I started finishing the songs with that idea in mind. In that process I re-connected with Ben Pollack who directed my "Trust Me" music video. He called me and said: "What's going on?" I sent him the demo for "Constantly" and he said I'll direct this music video for free. So I told him I had an idea for three music videos for a project with one narrative. That's how it started. As I was finishing the song, as every writer I started to fall in love with my stuff. I started to think it would be great if this chorus would transition into this next song, so before I knew it all the songs were connected and it became an actual short film. 

MS: Very cool.

Oh My!
Matt Zarley & George Takei

MZ:  I wanted to have a figure in the film that represented a sort of mentor figure. The thought was to get George Takei, that would be a home run, that would be it! 

MS: Yeah, I was going to ask you about that, I thought, look! It's George!

MZ: Stafford Arima, who is the director of George's show on Broadway right now "Allegiance" is a really dear friend of mine. I was I New York, he was in New York and we were going to shoot a song and I asked him: "would you feel comfortable doing an E-Mail to George? I would love him to be involved in this project if he is interested."

MS: That's great!

MZ: Honestly, I didn't know if he was going to have the time. He was enjoying a revival in his career and all these incredible things are happening. Not to mention he has taken over social media.

MS: Yeah, he really has taken over social media. (both laugh)

MZ: The stars were aligned I guess. It just worked out. The whole shoot was an incredible experience. It's a very personal project, but I also learned in the creative process how much I am not married to my own stuff, which is very important for me to learn about myself. It also made me aware of a lot of skills I didn't realize I had. It's been a wonderful two years for me, it has opened my eyes a lot to where I want to go with my career.     

                                                       "hopefulRomantic" Trailer

MS: How do you think social media affects romantic relationships?

MZ: I think it depends on how much you buy into it and put yourself out there. My last relationship was a little more out there than I have ever been before. I keep a pretty private life I think, for the most part. But people knew who he was. We were just a little more visible I guess. I would not do that again. Because if it doesn't work out, you have to explain yourself and everyone gets in your business. You have all these snarky comments why people thought it ended. It's like: "None of you know." I'm not the type of person to air my laundry for everyone to know. It's not my scene, I don't need to do that for my own game.

MS: You're preaching to the choir on that one.

MZ: I can't stand people who post on Facebook, their single, their in a relationship, it's constant status changing. When they break-up with someone and air their whole fight on social media. It's just so tired. I don't get it and it leaves a really bad taste in my mouth.

MS: Mine too!

MZ: I don't even voice my critical opinion on pop culture. I never really voice my critical opinion on anything. Not only because you don't know who is going to read it and how it could back and bite you in the ass number one. But who cares what I think?! (both laugh)

MS: Ditto. 

MZ: When you're in love it's fine to share it. It's when you break up and shit comes down, and you get to the minute updates on stuff. That's when I'm like, ugh!

MS: I agree. Is it safe to assume Matt, that you are still a "hopefulRomantic?" 

MZ: Yes, I am. This project really helped heal me in a very personal way.  

hopefulROMANTIC (the short film and recording) is available on iTunes and other digital outlets. For more information visit MattZarley.com or hopefulROMANTICmovie.com.  

Follow Matt on Social Media at:
https://instagram.com/mattzarley/
https://twitter.com/mattzarley
https://www.facebook.com/mattzarley/

Miley Cyrus & Bubba Sue: Use Your Voice!

We're Happy Hippies: Miley Cyrus & Bubba Sue
Photo: Paola Kudacki

"I was doing a show two nights ago," she said, "and I was wearing butterfly nipple pasties and butterfly wings. I'm standing there with my t---s out, dressed like a butterfly. How the f--- is that fair? How am I so lucky?" - Miley Cyrus, Paper Magazine

Miley Cyrus is a great singer and a fearless human being!

She got naked with her pig Bubba Sue for the cover of Paper Magazine to draw attention to her Happy Hippie Foundation, which is focused on helping homeless and LGBT youth to encourage them to "use their voice!" Like she does.

Cyrus realizes how lucky she has it and gives 110% to everything she does, she rulz!

C'mon get Happy Hippie at: http://www.happyhippies.org/

Miley Cyrus is a Happy Hippie

Don't Dream It's Over - Miley Cyrus & Ariana Grande

MIley Cyrus teamed up with Ariana Grande recently for an off the hook cover of the Crowded House hit Don't Dream It's Over for her series of Happy Hippie Backyard Sessions.

The philanthropic Ms.Cyrus's nonprofit organization, Happy Hippie, works to “rally young people to fight injustice facing homeless youth, LGBT youth and other vulnerable populations.”

I love Miley not only is she an amazing singer she gives back in a big way too!

Appropriately dressed in a Unicorn onesie with Ms. Grande as her sidekick dressed in a Mouse onesie, the two bring a shiny and new take on the classic song. 

Hey, the Unicorn and the Mouse should be friends.

Give it a listen below...

Find out how you can make a difference with Miley at:
http://www.happyhippies.org/

Ladies Who Lunch: Lady Gaga & Lisa Vanderpump

Vanderpump Rules & Is Gaga For The Lady
Photo: 17 Online

People were doing double takes this past Friday, April 17th, when Lady Gaga dined with Lisa Vanderpump and the Real Housewives restaurant PUMP in West Hollywood, CA -

Gaga's Mom & manager also joined them.  Fans of Gaga and her music, which apparently Lisa is, will recall that Vanderpump and some of her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-stars appeared in the video for Lady Gaga's song "G.U.Y." from her Art Pop album.

Here is what Lisa V. Tweeted about the evening:

"Cosy dinner @ladygaga ...At PUMP ...woman after my own heart #lgbt #dogcrazy."

Wouldn't you want to be a fly on the wall at that table?

Dine with the women on Twitter at:

Gaga: https://twitter.com/ladygaga
Vanderpump: https://twitter.com/lisavanderpump