Ricky Martin, Elton John and Wanda Sykes Help Fight Hate Crimes

Cyndi Lauper called on some famous friends, including Ricky Martin, Elton John and Idina Menzel, to help fight hate crimes as part of her LGBT-inclusive "Give a Damn" campaign.

"Whenever I hear about a hate crime, I am shocked and saddened," insists John, while Martin continues, "One of these acts of violence and intimidation occurs approximately every hour of every day."

Lesbian comedienne Wanda Sykes jumps in, telling the audience, "Imagine walking down the street and wondering if this is the day that you will be beaten up or even killed simply because of who you are." Actress Rachael Harris then introduces the gay angle, "Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people constantly face this fear, sometimes with devastating results." The group concludes by urging the public to pay attention and "Give a Damn" to stop the hate.

"We as parents, as people, as a nation need to stand up and say enough is enough. We will not tolerate hate any longer,” said Lauper in a press statement. “Hate is learned and we need to teach our children that being different is okay."

Watch the video, AFTER THE JUMP...

Watch: Wanda Sykes' Version Of Erykah Badu's Music Video

You've no doubt seen or at heard about Erykah Badu's controversial music video for her song "Window Seat," which features the singer stripping down to nothing as she strolls along Dealey Plaza in Dallas. Wanda Sykes parodied the video on her show with not so similar results. Said Badu about the parody: “That’s beautiful. In the traditional performace arts that’s what it’s all about…that’s funny.”

Watch the parody, AFTER THE JUMP.

Watch: Constance, Lesbian Denied Prom, Talks to Wanda Sykes + Group Donates $20K to Throw Prom for All Students

Mississippi high school student Constance McMillen joined Wanda Sykes on her show on Saturday to talk about  the cancellation of her prom over her desire to bring a female date.

Sykes is receiving the Stephen F. Kolzak award from GLAAD at their L.A. awards show on April 17, and invited Constance and her girlfriend to present it to her.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

In related news, the Facebook group in support of Constance McMillen has close to 250,000 members.

And, The American Humanist Association has received $20,000 from two of its members to plan and hold a prom for all the students in Itawamba County. Talks about logistics are underway.

(clip via good as you)

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #489

PROP 8 CHALLENGE: Keith Olbermann on the lawsuit brought by Ted Olson and David Boies.

DAME EDNA and WANDA SYKES: A very gay Tonight Show.

NEW YORK Mag to BURBERRY: An iconic sign is changed as Mayor declares Burberry Day in NYC.

LADY GAGA: On music, fame, sex, and what she looks for in a man.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.

News: Gwen Araujo, Uruguay, Anton Yelchin, Madonna, New Zealand

Neil Patrick Harris to host Tony Awards.

Court upholds convictions in Gwen Araujo murder case.

Madonna gets frisky at MET gala.

One of People's Sexiest Men Alive 2003 tag-teamed by a gay escort and a dominatrix?

Pro-gay judge Carlos Moreno added to Obama Supreme Court justice shortlist.

Uruguay to lift military gay ban: "The defense ministry confirms that Minister Jose Bayardi has signed a decree lifting the ban imposed by the 1973-85 military dictatorship. The army said Wednesday it has received the decree, which has yet to be signed by President Tabare Vazquez."

Court: Florida must recognize adoptions by same-sex couples granted in other states.

Bill O'Reilly on same-sex marriage in 2002: "Look, I couldn't care less, to tell you the truth.... You want to get married? Knock yourself out. Go to Vegas. Have a good time. If you can get that changed, I'm not going to jump up and down and say I think it's wrong, because I don't."

NOM telling its minions to vote "no" on New Jersey lawmaker's marriage equality poll. Vote yes.

Star Trek's new Pavel Chekov gets a Vman profile.

Equality California opens Inland-area office: "Equality California is also adding field-organizing offices in Fresno, San Diego, Orange County and Sacramento, and hopes to open one in Palm Springs. It now has locations only in San Francisco and Los Angeles, along with a legislative office in Sacramento. The number of staff members who will focus entirely or primarily on marriage-related issues will skyrocket from 2 to 25 people."

British Apprentice contestants rebrand seaside town of Margate into gay resort destination.

Man saves kangaroo from shark-infested ocean. Surgeon saves frog from lawn mower!

Auckland, New Zealand police looking for man deliberately infecting young men with HIV: "He targets young and vulnerable guys. He makes them feel special and tells them that he loves them. They feel they love him. They become besotted with him. He develops a grip on them. He cuts them off from their family and friends." 

Mariah Carey as a frump.

Christopher Hitchens on Wanda Sykes' White House Correspondents Dinner performance: "The president should be squirming in his seat. Not smiling. The black dyke got it wrong. No one told her the rules."

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation unveils gay-inclusive ad campaign: “Dear guys who like guys and girls who like girls ... We’re into that in Philly. In fact, we have a place affectionately referred to as the Gayborhood. Heck, our street signs even shout, ‘We love everyone — gay, straight and not exactly sure.’ So come hang out with us and bring your favorite guy or girl. It’ll be fabulous.”

$10,000: Carson Kressley unfairly targeted for appearance fee at Australian bushfire charity event?

EW: Ryan Seacrest, end your gay-baiting banter. "This season, however, has been mercifully light on ''Ewww! You're a homo!'' back-and-forth. That is, until (Tuesday) night, when during a discussion of Danny Gokey's boogie moves, Ryan tried to score a laugh by declaring, 'I love it when Simon criticizes dancing. Randy, we've seen [Simon] dance in Vegas in those heels he wears. Not really a lot of rhythm.' Really, Ryan? In 2009, you're still courting Emmy nominations as Best Reality-Show host by using tired cross-dressing barbs"

Wanda Sykes and Her Wife Alex Have Twins

People reports that on April 27, Wanda Sykes and her wife Alex welcomed twins:

"Daughter Olivia Lou weighed in at 6 lbs., 7 oz., and was 19-inches long. Son Lucas Claude debuted at 7 lbs., 9 oz., and was 20-inches long. The comedian's wife gave birth to the babies."