[NEW YORK] – The following is a statement from Cyndi Lauper, founder of the True Colors Fund and longtime advocate for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, about today’s passage of marriage equality in her home state of New York:
I have never been prouder to be a lifelong New Yorker than I am today with the passage of marriage equality. New York joins a growing number of states leading the nation towards the future we have always been destined for, a future where everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect.
I am inspired by all of my fellow New Yorkers who stood with us and showed their support by contacting their state representatives, attending rallies and encouraging their family and friends to get involved. It is because of great citizens like them that civil rights for all, especially gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, continue to advance in this country.
I am equally inspired by the state assembly members and senators who stood by their convictions and voted “YES”. I am in awe of their decision, along with unwavering leaders like Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, to be on the right side of history.
New York also owes a debt of gratitude to the organizations and community leaders like the Human Rights Campaign, Freedom to Marry, the Empire State Pride Agenda and Broadway Impact for their dedication and commitment to making marriage equality a reality in the Empire State.
ABOUT THE TRUE COLORS FUND
The True Colors Fund was co-founded by Cyndi Lauper to inspire and engage everyone, particularly the straight community, to become active participants in the advancement of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality and to raise awareness about and bring an end to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth experiencing homelessness.