PHOTOS: Soul Singer Erykah Badu as Local Ally

Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter Erykah Badu is known more for her low-key style, deep lyrics, and sultry, spiritual vocals than her involvement in the LGBT community. But having just celebrated her 42nd birthday at a concert last week in Dallas' Grenada Theater, her understated contributions to local lesbian and gay communities are worth noting.

In 2010, she participated in relaunching the female-centric and lesbian-esque Lilith Fair, and shared the main stage with artists such as Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLaughlin, and The Indigo Girls.

On the local scene, she has a devoted gay and lesbian fan following, once spun a DJ set at Seattle's Q nightclub during last September's Decibel Festival and she served as the celebrity spokesperson of the organization AIDS Arms of Dallas, which offers care and advocacy to hundreds of LGBT Dallasites living with the disease.

In addition to being a singer, songwriter, DJ, record producer, actress, Badu is also a midwife and an advocate for natural childbirth.

We snapped some shots of the songstress during her birthday concert with her side project band The Cannabinoids. As usual, Badu performed in her trademark head wrap with her signature plumes of smoke and fog billowed around the stage lights creating a musical atmosphere worthy of reflection and tranquility.

Happy birthday, Ms. Badu.