Cyndi Lauper: An Icon of Self-Expression and Advocacy
Cyndi Lauper, the iconic artist behind the 1983 hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” has long been a beacon of inspiration for women of all ages with her message of self-expression and individuality. Her quirky, carefree persona, vibrant fashion sense, and distinctive colorful hair have made her a symbol of confidence and authenticity.
However, beyond her upbeat music and distinctive voice, Lauper faces a significant challenge: psoriasis, a chronic skin condition she was diagnosed with in 2010. At one point, the condition was so severe it felt like “someone threw boiling water” on her skin. Psoriasis affects approximately 8 million people in the U.S. and 125 million worldwide, causing symptoms like pain, itching, and scaly patches. For Lauper, it began with scalp irritation, which she initially attributed to frequent hair coloring, but soon escalated into more serious discomfort.
Despite her struggles, Lauper remains a dynamic figure in both music and advocacy. In addition to her music career, where she has received numerous awards including a Tony, two Grammys, and an Emmy, she is a passionate advocate for human rights, inspired by her sister Ellen’s experience as a lesbian. She wrote the song “Above the Clouds” for Matthew Shepard, a gay student murdered in Wyoming, and founded the “True Colors” tour to support LGBT charities.
Lauper’s achievements extend beyond advocacy and music. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and was a special guest at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration for her humanitarian efforts. Her resilience in the face of psoriasis is evident; during some of her most challenging times, such as while writing the Tony Award-winning score for the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots,” she remained undeterred.
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