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.
Dr. Darcy Smith
Grounded in Positive Psychology and focusing on the strengths of her clients, Dr. Darcy Smith owns Alternatives Counseling, a group practice in New York, which specializes in working with the LGBT community. With a direct, goal-oriented and pragmatic clinical style, Dr. Darcy works to produce long-term, sustainable change, helping clients to reach their most ambitious goals. “I love helping my clients become a-symptomatic so that we can begin assessing their dreams and building their ideal lives,” she says. “So often people in my profession assess for and stay focused on weaknesses. I like to move past weaknesses and on to strengths as soon as possible.” Dr. Darcy has been a columnist for GO Magazine since 2006. In 2011, she became both a writer for Psychology Today and made her national television debut for E! Entertainment, providing expert commentary for When Women Kill. She has become the go-to therapist for producers in all realms of media, and her blog, AskDrDarcy.com, provides members of the LGBT community with free advice. –DP
