'We Stan!': Cyndi Lauper, Trinity The Tuck talk Stonewall riots and Pride in upcoming World of Wonder series
RuPaul Drag Race's Trinity The Tuck and musical icon Cyndi Lauper sit down for an intimate interview about the Stonewall riots as well as what Pride Month represents in an upcoming interview for the World of Wonder series, 'We Stan!' In the new series, Queens will pay homage to musical icons all while recreating one of their signature 'lewks' from head to toe as they discuss important topics relating to Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Over half a century has passed since the Stonewall Riots of 1969 kicked off what we now know as 'Pride Month'. The event, which began with the LGBTQIA+ community taking a stand against police brutality, has blossomed over the decades into a way for the queer community to celebrate their identities proudly. In the upcoming 'We Stan! Cyndi Lauper with Trinity The Tuck' episode, the two reflect on the moment that birthed a movement and made LGBTQIA+ history.
Tuck, clad in a dress she made herself that is a replica of the iconic look Lauper wore the first time she headlined Madison Square Garden in 1986, interviews Lauper remotely to discuss what the Stonewall Inn meant to the artist, who has been a longtime ally and supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights. The two get into the important role drag queens played in the riots, particularly them being the first ones who stood against police brutality being levied against the queer community, with Lauper also delving into the importance of protests and her experience marching.
Speaking about Stonewall, Lauper shares in a newly-released clip, "I just want people to understand about Stonewall...the police always came in, harassed, beat, arrested [the patrons]. The first people who fought back were the drag queens." She adds, "The drag performers and drag queens deserve some respect." Admittedly, despite being one of the most important moments in history, the role that drag queens played in this event often goes overlooked, but Tuck and Lauper are all set to shed some light on the revolutionaries who helmed Pride.
The interview also sees the two discuss what Pride has come to represent for various different marginalized communities, espousing the need to celebrate their identities and their right to love freely. "Pride is about...you gotta feel good about yourself, you gotta celebrate," Lauper states. "What's not right is to make someone feel horrible about themselves because they're different, whether it's the color of your skin, or where you're from, or how you dress, or who you love! Hey, it's love! It's not hate! It's love! So celebrate yourself, love yourself, and love the people around you."
The clip is part of award-winning production company World of Wonder's new interview series 'We Stan!' which pairs some fan-favorite RuPaul's Drag Race Queens with top musical icons to discuss their support and love for the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrate Pride, and deep dive into their legendary careers.
WOW co-founders Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey have been chosen for the OUT100 list for their trailblazing work in the LGBTQIA+ community. And continuing their work towards helping uplift members of this community, they're bringing forth their latest project in honor and remembrance of the Stonewall riots of 1969, 'We Stan!', with each episode raising awareness for a different organization, allowing fans to donate to a charity selected by the featured artist. The series follows World of Wonder’s livestream concert event in partnership with the official charitable organization of The Stonewall Inn, The Stonewall Gives Back Initiative, benefiting the LGBTQIA+ nightlife industry directly impacted by Covid-19 with featured top artists including Betty Who, Kristin Chenoweth, MUNA, Todrick Hall, Troye Sivan, and more.
Check out the exclusive clip of Tuck and Lauper's conversation below. 'We Stan! Cyndi Lauper with Trinity The Tuck' airs on Tuesday, June 30 on World of Wonder’s YouTube channel WOWPresents. Additional talent confirmed for We Stan! Includes Kesha and RPDR queen Jan Sport.