Lauper, others tour for gay rights issues

LAS VEGAS, March 19 (UPI) -- Cyndi Lauper, Blondie's Debbie Harry and Erasure said they will tour North America this summer in an effort to raise awareness of gay rights issues.

The 15-city tour also will seek to raise money for the Human Rights Campaign, which supports the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual community.

This tour, scheduled to kick off June 8 in Las Vegas was "created to celebrate our differences by raising awareness for liberty, fairness and dignity for everyone -- not just some of us," Artistsdirect.com reported Lauper saying.

Comedian Margaret Cho will serve as master of ceremonies.

Rosie O'Donnell, Rufus Wainwright and the Indigo Girls are scheduled as guest performers for individual venues during the tour.