20 Questions: Cyndi Lauper

2009 is shaping up to be busier than 2008 for Cyndi Lauper. Following her Grammy nomination for the acclaimed Bring Ya to the Brink (2008) album, the tireless LGBT activist has a book, film, and concert tour in the works, in addition to establishing a foundation named after her chart-topping hit from 1986, “True Colors”. Amidst all her projects, she found a moment to answer PopMatters’ 20 Questions.

1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?

It’s not a new movie – I think it came out in 1999 – but I just loved it. It was called Joe The King.

2. The fictional character most like you?

Huck Finn.

3. The greatest album ever?

I can’t pick just one.

4. Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Trek.

5. Your ideal brain food?

Edamame.

6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?

Giving birth to my son.

7. You want to be remembered for…??

Always trying to put my best out there.

8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?

Abe Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa.

9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?

I would never, even in fantasy, steal someone’s credit.

10. Your hidden talents…?

Trombone player.

11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?

Be nice.

12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?

Instruments.

13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or…?

Armani.

14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

15. Time travel: where, when, and why?

The ’30s, Hollywood. That’s when Garbo, Crawford, Mae West, and Marlene Dietrich were at their best! Wouldn’t it have been amazing to hang around them dames?

16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation, or Prozac?

Ha! Spa vacation.

17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or…?

Love.

18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?

Totally New York City. Any day.

19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?

Congratulations to you, President Obama, on your inauguration. We all know that our country has tremendous problems for you to fix, but we want you to know that we believe in you. In particular, I look forward to witnessing the advancement in civil rights you have promised under your administration. While the next few years will be hard, you have inspired this country with the hope needed to overcome the obstacles in our way.

20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on now?

I will be shooting a movie in April and May, then going on tour in Europe for the festival season. I also just signed a book deal for my autobiography that will come out at the end of this year or early 2010. My charity work is also very important to me, and I am launching my foundation called the True Colors Fund, which focuses on LGBT causes.