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.
TERESA SCOTT
As a creative director in publishing for 14 years, Teresa Scott spent much of her workday sitting. She had also battled obesity since childhood, and after receiving disturbing results from an annual physical, she made a commitment to exercise, eat smarter and live better. Seven years ago, she discovered boxing, and it changed her life. She lost more than 60 pounds, acquired her new passion, and founded Women’s World of Boxing Inc. While maintaining her position in publishing, her mission as the CEO and Head Trainer of WWB is to open a safe and empowering boxing gym exclusively for women and girls to explore the sport. “The excitement, drive, progress and dedication of the women and girls that I train are my biggest inspiration,” Scott says. “And the most rewarding part of my work is seeing my clients become empowered mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually from the sport of boxing and the supportive community we’ve created.” –KL
