Bob CollinsCyndi Lauper was at the Capitol in Washington today, testifying to a subcommittee about youth homelessness.
I know what you’re thinking: Another Hollywood or pop star trying to trade stardom for some political traction, and, it’s true, she’s doing that.
But her story is an amazing one, especially if we can set aside politics long enough to hear it.
She was homeless, or nearly so, as a teen. Then she got a GED. Then she got into music and had two huge hits — Girls Just Want to Have Fun and True Colors. Then, her art resonated with people “who found solace in these songs.” Her art helped save them.
“Basically, the kids come out and they get thrown out,” Lauper said. “Truth is, they didn’t choose their identity. You know, it’s like you choosing the color of your eyes. You know, you’re born that way.”
“Listening to these stories, it changed me,” she added. “Maybe there’s something I can do besides just being a famous person and singing to them.” She now has a charity that helps homeless LGBT kids.
“If it’s a faith issue, I implore you not to pray to God to change your kid,” she said. “Pray to God to change your heart.”
Let’s face it: Lauper didn’t tell the politicians anything they didn’t already know.
But because she once was homeless and then she became a singer of songs, they showed up to listen. That’s a start that could end up making a difference.
Life is funny like that, and, as Lauper’s life story proves, stranger things have happened.
