The 16-hour National Celebration of the 40th anniversary of the GLBT Civil Rights Movement includes a National Celebration Concert at Penn’s Landing featuring the National GALA Chorus; dance students from The University of the Arts; and singers Jade Starling, Amber and Cyndi Lauper.

“We are thrilled that Amber’s My Kind of World 2005 Tour, will be debuting her new single ‘Voodoo’ at the National Celebration Concert. Amber had 10 Top Ten hits in a row and has a devoted gay following,” said Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. “We’re excited that gay icon Jade Starling – whose song ‘Catch Me I’m Falling’ sold over one million copies – will be debuting her new single ‘Happy’.”

The National Celebration Concert will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the waterfront amphitheater at Philadelphia’s Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. Penn’s Landing is within easy walking distance of Independence Mall, site of most of the National Celebration events. Cyndi Lauper is the National Celebration Concert’s featured performer. Admission is only $5.

Equality Forum 2005 & National Celebration (April 25 to May 1) features over 100 programs. More than 105 state, regional, national and international non-profit organizations and 32 national and international GLBT Executive Directors will be participating. Thirty (30) states, D.C. and Puerto Rico will hold State Receptions on Saturday, April 30.

The 16-hour National Celebration on Independence Mall includes a Gay Pioneers & 40 Heroes Tribute, the SundayOUT street festival, screenings of the documentary Gay Pioneers, an Interfaith Service with Bishop Gene Robinson at historic Christ Church, a Gay Icons Pavilion at the Independence Visitors Center, Conversations with Gay Leaders at the National Constitution Center, the National Celebration Concert with Cyndi Lauper, celebrities, and parties.

There is no registration fee for Equality Forum 2005 and all substantive events including the National Celebration are free. Twenty (20) Center City hotels are offering lowest rate.

For more information, visit the Press Room at www.equalityforum.com or contact Dan Wagner, Communications Associate at dan@equalityforum.com or (215) 732-3378 x10.

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