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.
MAGGIE COLLIER
Maggie Collier, owner of Maggie C Events, has been knockin’ the socks off lesbian New Yorkers since 2007 with her formula of upscale venues, sexy entertainment and an elite crowd of Manhattan lesbians, such as at her weekly parties Stiletto and Crème de la Femme. Collier’s multiple awards and accolades (including five GO Nightlife Awards) from dozens of nationally read publications have reinforced her reputation as one of the most powerful and respected LGBT event producers in the country. “With all the struggles gays face in the workplace, at home and in society, it’s nice to know this outlet exists for them to be comfortable expressing themselves as they are,” Collier observes. Bringing women together—romantically or otherwise—is the icing on Collier’s cake, especially “when women I’ve never met contact me to let me know they’re getting married or having a baby with another woman they met at one of my events.” She’s branched out from NYC by partnering with Miami-based Pandora Events and GO for Valhalla, the first annual women’s week at the W Retreat and Spa on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, launching this October. –KL
