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.
SHACAZIA BROWN
In her early 20s, Shacazia Brown found out that her mom was HIV-positive. She created an AIDS Walk team in her memory, which grew to more than 200 walkers over the course of 14 years. Brown’s hard-earned experience prompted her to form a foundation, Survivors of Mothers with AIDS (SOMWA, pronounced ‘Someway’) to help children cope with the loss of their mothers to AIDS. Today, SOMWA has more than 300 volunteers, provides services to 400 children and sponsors toy drives, holiday parties, Mothers’ Day boat rides and other activities throughout the year. In 2010, Brown volunteered at the Kajido Children’s Home in Kenya, helping 80 AIDS orphans; SOMWA is now planning to build a school there. Brown finds constant inspiration from “the children and mothers who need support from the community, and our volunteers. Giving back, without expecting anything in return, is the most rewarding part of my work.” –KL
