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.
Zoe Dunning
In defiance of the military’s ban on gays serving openly, decorated Navy Commander (Ret.) Zoe Dunning came out in 1993 while serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Two and a half years later, she won a legal battle to be retained in the Navy, and holds the distinction of having served her country as the only openly gay member of the U.S. military. Dunning is the Governing Board Co-Chair for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, and was selected to stand next to President Obama as he signed the bill repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2010. “I was honored to stand next to President Obama not just because I served as an open lesbian, but because of my persistence and perseverance as I continued to speak out and advocate for the repeal of DADT for nearly 18 years,” said Dunning. “It wasn’t enough that I won my case; I wanted the policy repealed so all could serve without fear.” She is now a principal at Quintus Associates, LLC; facilitates graduate courses at Stanford University; serves on Senator Barbara Boxer’s Service Academy Advisory Committee; and was recently honored as “Woman of the Year” for the 8th Senate District of California. –DP
