Lauper, Erasure headline gay-themed tour

NEW YORK (Billboard) -

Cyndi Lauper, Erasure and Debbie Harry will anchor a summer tour of 15 North American cities designed to raise awareness of gay-rights issues.

The True Colors trek, which begins June 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, will also include the Dresden Dolls, the Gossip and the Misshapes, along with host

Margaret Cho.

"This tour was created to celebrate our differences by raising awareness for liberty, fairness and dignity for everyone -- not just some of us," Lauper said in a statement. "Our fans can come out to celebrate a great cause while also hearing some great music."

Rufus Wainwright, the Indigo Girls and Rosie O'Donnell will make special appearances throughout the tour, which is sponsored by gay/lesbian TV network Logo.

Stops include Chicago's Auditorium Theater (June 12), Boston's Bank of America Pavilion (June 16), New York's Radio City Music Hall (June 18), Toronto's Molson Amphitheatre (June 19) and Berkeley's Greek Theater (June 29). It ends the next day at the Greek in Los Angeles.

One dollar from every ticket sold will benefit the Human Rights Campaign, which aids the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

Reuters/Billboard