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.
DORIS YEUNG
“Millions of people immigrate to America because of the promise of the American Dream,” says the directors’ statement of the new film Motherland, “but what happens afterwards?” Chinese-American filmmaker Doris Yeung is attempting to find out. The film concerns an Asian American woman who returns home upon her mother’s murder, only to be drawn into a long-hidden web of lies within her family. Motherland is currently making waves on the film festival circuit, including an upcoming stint at the Beijing Queer Festival. The former directing fellow at the American Film Institute is known for her work in both experimental and narrative films, finding insight from mere threads of thoughts. “I’m inspired when I have an idea or feeling seemingly out of the blue,” says Yeung, “and it stays with me bugging me until I make it a reality.” –SJ
