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.
Tami Hart
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Tami Hart made her mark on the music world while still in her teens. Her debut album in 2000, No Light in August, released when she was just 18, was her first to showcase what Pitchfork called a “Nirvana-meets-Team Dresch” quality. Hart employs the same aesthetic her later ventures in noise-punk, garage rock, and now, pop and R&B. Her latest band, Making Friendz, has a new album out this summer, and she’ll being touring with JD Samson’s MEN. Hart’s work stems from her experience growing up in the South—and leaving it. Now, she hopes to give back to queer Southern youth. “I have a lot of guilt for leaving South Carolina as soon as I could,” she says. “Though it was important for me to move to a city where I could be among thousands of people just like me, change isn’t going to come if we keep running out of these backwards towns. I’m looking forward to getting back there.” –SJ
