100 Women We Love 2011
It’s been a whirlwind year for Chely Wright. The award-winning country artist and songwriter stunned the conservative country music world by coming out in 2010, a difficult and life-changing decision she detailed in her 2011 autobiography, Like Me. She also released her critically-acclaimed seventh album, Lifted Off the Ground, a tour-de-force more than five emotionally-grueling years in the making. The documentary film, Wish Me Away, chronicles her journey from preparation to aftermath of her decision to come out to Nashville, her hometown, and within the LGBT community, will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival this summer. Her soul-searching, however, has been worth it: The newly-minted LGBT role model serves as the national spokesperson for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and speaks out against school bullying. Wright believes “that to whom much is given, much is required. I have lived a very blessed life and I know what it feels like to achieve goals. I want to do my part in helping others have as many opportunities to have milestones in their lives too.” –KL
The 100 Women We Love – out artists, elected officials, business leaders, athletes, community activists – are role models for us all. Many are up-and-coming movers and shakers; some are at the zenith of their careers. Some of their achievements change our world and, just as importantly, others improve the world’s perception of out women. They all strive tirelessly to increase our visibility and continue our incredible progress toward equality and justice.
We proudly present the class of 2011, in random order, so each gets her well-deserved turn in the spotlight.
Susan Levine
Native New Yorker and self-proclaimed downtown girl Susan Levine is known for providing soundtracks to some of the biggest dance parties in the NYC LGBT scene. This Pride will mark her third year pumping out beats at Rapture on the River, the popular post-Dyke March pier dance. Obsessed with music of all genres since early childhood, her inner DJ emerged while she was Director of Film, Video and Audio-Visual Production for the School of Visual Arts in the late ’80s, and she has since spun at events including the legendary Human Rights Campaign/L Word premieres in NYC. Levine has DJed up and down the East Coast in Provincetown, Atlantic City and Asbury Park at gay Pride and circuit parties. Her creativity has flourished in photography and TV production, and most recently in her production company, Next Level Events. “I feel that as an older woman I inspire the younger generation to follow their dreams and that anything is possible,” says Levine. She continues to DJ all over Fire Island and NYC, and will soon be taking her tunes out to sea on Olivia Cruises. –DP
