Interview

Cyndi Lauper skyrocketed to fame in 1984 on the strength of her four-octave vocal range, zany persona, ragtag wardrobe, and multicolored hair. In the intervening decades her seemingly do-it-yourself image and iconoclastic career have attracted a legion of fans in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities, which have always embraced her as a sort of kindred spirit. Lauper has always reciprocated their affection, but this month she's got a special surprise in store: the launch of a three-week, 15-city True Colors tour to benefit the Human Rights Campaign, during which she'll share the stage with a roster of topflight talents. The tour kicks off in Las Vegas on June 8.

ALAN CUMMING: In this interview I'm going to probe you, Cyndi Lauper, to your very core. Ready? What are you wearing?

CYNDI LAUPER: [laughs] Nothing!

AC: Shut up.

CL: I'm serious. I just came out of the tub. I'm lying down, but I can't take it. I keep getting up. I lie back down again. I get up. I haven't done this since I can't remember when, so I figured it was either this or go to the hockey rinks.

AC: 'Cause you're a hockey mom now.

CL: Well, you know.

AC: So tell me about this tour.