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Cyndi Lauper to receive UN honor

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Cyndi Lauper promoting ‘True Colors Day’ earlier this year (Image via Twitter)

LGBTQ ally and advocate Cyndi Lauper is about to add an award from the United Nations to her already long list of honors.

The Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning songwriter and performing artist will become the first-ever recipient of The High Note Global Prize, an award honoring and celebrating major recording artists for outstanding achievement in using their music and celebrity platform to advocate for social justice worldwide.

According to a press statement from the UN, Lauper is receiving the prize ā€œfor her lifelong advocacy for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) people, as well as the significant achievements made by True Colors United, a nonprofit organization she co-founded in 2008 to prevent and end youth homelessness among LGBTQ youth.ā€

The prize is awarded by the UN in partnership with global partner, The High Note Initiative. It will be presented to Lauper on UN Human Rights Day, December 10, at the pop icon’s ā€œHome for the Holidaysā€ benefit concert in Los Angeles at The Novo at L.A. Live. International recording artist and social activist Kesha will join the UN in presenting the award.

David Clark, CEO of David Clark Cause and creator of The High Note Global Initiative, says, ā€œThe High Note Global Prize celebrates artists that have leveraged their musical gifts to create a platform to promote social justice,ā€ said and. ā€œWe are delighted to recognize and honor Cyndi Lauper as the 2019 High Note Global Prize Laureate. For decades she has promoted human rights, been a voice and active participant for change, and inspired people around the world to be tolerant and true to themselves. She is most deserving of this award, and we look forward to celebrating her achievements during our inaugural High Note Global Prize award ceremony.ā€

In a statement, Laurent Sauveur, Chief of External Outreach for UN Human Rights, comments:

ā€œWe are proud to support The High Note Global Initiative in an effort to galvanize global mobilization for human rights, and at the same time honor artists who passionately use their work to promote and protect the rights of others.ā€

Along with Kesha, other celebrities paying tribute to Lauper and True Colors United on December 10 will include Billy Porter, Brandi Carlile, Belinda Carlisle, King Princess, Charlie Musselwhite, Henry Rollins, Perry Farrell with Etty Lau Farrell, Justin Tranter, K. Flay, Emily Estefan, Shawn Wasabi, comics Carol Leifer and Lily Tomlin, U.K. comedian Gina Yashere, Margaret Cho, and Carson Kressley, among others to be announced.

Artists and other celebrities who could not participate but have donated items and experiences for a charity auction include Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Dua Lipa, Kacey Musgraves, RuPaul, and Tegan and Sara. 100% of proceeds from the auction will go to supporting True Colors United programs.

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than everĀ with two-day WorldPride celebration

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The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

ā€œWe’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,ā€ said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. ā€œIt’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.ā€

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

šŸ“ Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
šŸ“… Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
šŸ›„ļøBoat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). šŸŽ† Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
šŸŽŸļø VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering,Ā  Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com

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Arts & Entertainment

Win a pair of tickets to Grace Jones & Janelle MonƔe @ The Anthem on June 5, 2025!

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Enter by filling out the form below or by clicking HERE. Purchase tickets HERE.

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PHOTOS: Cherry ‘Fire’

Detox of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ meets with fans

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Cherry's "Fire" party is held at Betty on Saturday, April 12. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Cherry Weekend main event party was “Fire” at Betty (1235 W Street, N.E.) on Saturday, April 12. Detox of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” met with fans.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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