100 Women We Love, Queer Women We Love, Wonder Women

100 Women We Love 2011

June 17, 2011

Corina Maritescu, Dulci Pitagora, Kat Long, Sharyn Jackson

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.

B. COLE

At the ripe young age of 21, B. Cole landed a job many people far older than she can only dream of: She worked in the White House, directing leadership development programming for the Harry S. Truman Foundation. And she didn’t stop there. As the founder of the Brown Boi Project, Cole today travels worldwide as a consultant on issues of leadership development and economic opportunity. The project brings together queer and straight people of color who fall along the masculine spectrum to work toward racial and gender justice. “As a community, we often have to make space just to exist,” says Cole, who coined the term “masculine of center.” “The Brown Boi Project is building a visionary future in which young LGBT leaders of color are woven together, creating a tidal wave of change. Their leadership will transform society and make it easier for each of us to live full, vibrant and equal lives.” –SJ