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.
WHITNEY MIXTER
Whitney Mixter is the dreadlocked rebel whose romantic adventures entranced us on the first season of The Real L Word, and this summer she is the only one of the featured cast to return for the second round. In addition to navigating her ever-exciting love life, Mixter is making 2011 all about her creative and community-enrichment projects. She is launching and hosting a monthly party for women in West Hollywood, pushing the boundaries in the special effects makeup industry with best friend Alyssa, and planning a no-holds-barred charity event that will bring out the creme of the Los Angeles lesbian community. “I hope to show that individuality is something to be celebrated and that there is no cookie-cutter mold to success. If I can inspire even one member of the LGBT community to embrace themselves as they are and use it as fuel for achieving their goals, then I feel truly honored,” Mixter tells GO. –CM
