There’s something magical about Cyndi Lauper, the lively artist behind the 1983 hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” a song that quickly became a global anthem, encouraging women everywhere to embrace fun and freedom.
Lauper is the definition of cool. Her quirky, carefree personality, playful fashion, and colorful hair inspire people with her message to always be yourself.
However, behind the playful voice that spreads joy to her listeners, Lauper battles a severe skin condition called psoriasis. At one point, it was so intense that, as she described, “It looked like someone threw boiling water on me.”
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The legendary pop star, now 69, recently opened up about her ongoing battle with psoriasis—a chronic skin condition that has no cure—since she was first diagnosed in 2010.
Psoriasis can cause severe pain, itching, discomfort, and rough, scaly patches on the skin. About 8 million people in the U.S. and 125 million globally live with this condition.
Lauper’s symptoms started as scalp irritation and general discomfort, which worsened over time.
Initially, she thought her itchy scalp was from frequently coloring her hair, but the symptoms continued, causing both physical pain and emotional strain for the award-winning musician.
The “Time after Time” singer is a busy mother, touring pop star, and activist.
Inspired by her sister Ellen, who is a lesbian, Lauper has become a strong supporter of LGBT rights, working tirelessly to advocate for the community.
Her 2005 song “Above the Clouds” was written in honor of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay student who was beaten to death in Wyoming. Lauper also started the “True Colors” concert tour in 2007-2008, which raises support for local and private LGBT charities and organizations.
Besides her advocacy, Lauper has an impressive career as a singer, songwriter, and actor. Over the past forty years, she has received many awards, including a Tony Award, two Grammy Awards, an MTV Music Video Award, and an Emmy Award for her role in a 1995 episode of the TV show *Mad About You*.
She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2013, her humanitarian work earned her a special invitation to attend President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Despite her diagnosis, Lauper continues to stay strong. She is committed to not letting psoriasis hold her back and works on managing stress to avoid triggering flare-ups.
When she was first diagnosed and dealing with severe psoriasis, Lauper wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical *Kinky Boots*, which won her a Tony Award for Best Original Score. She became the first woman to win a Tony in that category on her own. The show also won five more Tony Awards, including Best New Musical.
In a conversation with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Lauper openly shared her experience living with the autoimmune skin condition, hoping her story might help others.
“I’ve never been able to really manage stress,” she admitted, explaining that she now takes a holistic approach to healing and stress relief both at home and on the road. She learned reiki, a Japanese technique for relaxation, saying, “That helps me.”
Along with reiki, Lauper works to stay grounded by meditating, practicing yoga, or taking walks in the fresh air with her dog and her husband, David Thornton, whom she married in 1991. The couple has one son, born in 1997.
“It’s not a bad thing to take care of yourself,” Lauper said, urging people to always “make a little time for you.”
She encourages starting small. “How about five minutes for you?” she added.
Lauper speaks with resilience about her experience, explaining that “when psoriasis gets really bad, it’s really hard to get up again.” She shared that at times, she couldn’t regulate her body temperature, leading to chills that could result in hypothermia. Even when resting, her condition only worsened, and hearing people dismiss it as “just a rash” added to her struggles.
“You don’t have to suffer,” Lauper said. Treatments, such as topical and oral medication or injections, can help ease the often unbearable symptoms of psoriasis. For Lauper, she found relief with Novartis’ Cosentyx, and as a spokesperson for the medication, she happily shares that she’s been “four years clear.”
In 2017, Lauper spoke with HealthDay about managing her psoriasis.
“It’s funny—you start wearing gloves, or this and that, hoping [psoriasis] is invisible, but it’s not. I didn’t show it off, like, ‘Woo-hoo, check this out!’ Doesn’t everyone try to hide it? You’d be surprised how many people have it and don’t talk about it. It’s one of those invisible things, so it’s good to talk about it.”
She shares more about it on her podcast *PsO in the Know*, where she talks with celebrities, advocates, and everyday people who offer insights on living with psoriasis.
The show is now in its third season and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pandora, and Stitcher.
Lauper isn’t the only celebrity with psoriasis. Kim Kardashian, now 42, was diagnosed at 30 and is open about her challenges. Her mom, Kris Jenner, 67, had her first outbreak in her late 20s and said it was “life-changing.” Other celebrities with psoriasis include musician Art Garfunkel, 81, actor Jon Lovitz, 65, and Jerry Mathers, 74, known as “The Beaver.”
This Man is Being Mocked Online for Not Being “Big Enough” for His Wife
Love is often seen as a deep emotional bond that transcends physical appearances. But in a world fixated on beauty standards, where should love draw the line when it comes to looks? The incredible story of Matt and Brittany defies societal norms, proving that true love is built on more than just physical attraction. Despite online criticism, their relationship showcases the power of unconditional love and the beauty of accepting each other exactly as they are.
Brittany’s Struggle for Acceptance and Love
For Brittany Jacques, love and acceptance were not always easy to find. The 23-year-old had experienced numerous failed relationships where partners either criticized her weight or treated her as an object rather than a person. Time and time again, she faced rejection simply because she didn’t fit the societal mold of what was considered “attractive.”
Tired of the constant disappointment and emotional pain, Brittany made a courageous decision—she would stop searching for love and focus on self-acceptance. She resolved to prioritize her mental health and personal well-being rather than trying to fit unrealistic beauty standards. Little did she know that love would find her when she least expected it.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
When Brittany met Matt Montgomery, their connection was instant. Unlike the shallow relationships of her past, Matt saw Brittany for who she truly was—a kind, intelligent, and compassionate woman. From the beginning, he embraced her without hesitation, proving that genuine love is rooted in emotional connection rather than superficial beauty.
Their relationship wasn’t without its obstacles. Brittany had her reservations, given her past experiences, and societal pressures soon added another challenge. Online trolls and critics were quick to attack their relationship, with many making hurtful remarks about Matt’s appearance. Some even went as far as saying that he wasn’t “big enough” for Brittany, as if love should conform to weight ratios.
The Strength of Embracing Authentic Love
What sets Matt and Brittany’s relationship apart is their unwavering commitment to authenticity. In a world obsessed with perfection, they chose to embrace each other just as they are. Their love isn’t based on fitting into conventional beauty standards—it’s built on respect, kindness, and a deep emotional bond.
For Brittany, being valued for her character rather than her physical attributes was life-changing. Matt’s unwavering support allowed her to rebuild her self-confidence and heal from past insecurities. Together, they forged a relationship where love was not measured by appearances but by the depth of their connection.
Overcoming Online Criticism with
When Matt and Brittany shared their love story online, they were met with both admiration and criticism. While many celebrated their love, there were also those who ridiculed their appearance and questioned their compatibility. Negative comments flooded their social media, with some trolls attempting to invalidate their relationship simply because they didn’t fit traditional beauty standards.
However, rather than letting the negativity affect them, Matt and Brittany stood strong. They chose to use their platform to spread a message of love and acceptance, proving that true love isn’t about adhering to societal expectations—it’s about celebrating each other’s uniqueness.
Their resilience in the face of criticism serves as an inspiration to many who struggle with body image and self-worth. Their story reminds us that external opinions should never dictate the value of a relationship.
Redefining Relationship Goals
For Matt and Brittany, love is not about conforming to society’s expectations—it’s about creating a meaningful and fulfilling connection. They have redefined what it means to be “relationship goals” by prioritizing trust, kindness, and mutual support over outward appearances.
Matt’s steadfast belief in Brittany’s worth has helped her overcome years of insecurity, while Brittany’s strength has reinforced their love. Their relationship proves that the most important qualities in a partner—compassion, loyalty, and understanding—far outweigh any physical attributes.
Inspiring Others to Seek True Love
Matt and Brittany’s journey has resonated with countless people who have struggled to find acceptance in a world that often values looks over substance. Their love story challenges the idea that relationships should be based on appearances, encouraging others to seek meaningful connections rather than superficial validation.
Their message is clear: Love isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about cherishing each other’s individuality. By sharing their story, they remind us all that real love is found in mutual respect, genuine care, and emotional depth, not in meeting arbitrary beauty standards.
Conclusion: A Love That Defies Stereotypes
Matt and Brittany’s love story is a testament to the power of unconditional love. Despite facing criticism and societal judgment, they have remained true to themselves and to each other. Their relationship serves as a powerful reminder that love is not defined by physical appearances but by the strength of an emotional bond.
Their journey challenges the world to rethink its obsession with beauty standards and embrace the idea that love is about so much more than what meets the eye. For those who have ever felt judged, overlooked, or pressured to change to fit someone else’s ideal, Matt and Brittany’s story offers hope.
True love isn’t about matching societal expectations—it’s about accepting and valuing one another exactly as you are. And in that, Matt and Brittany have found something truly beautiful.
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