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.
Lisa G
Lisa Graziano, aka Lisa G, helped define what came to be known as “lesbian chic.” Her photo was featured in the notorious issue of New York Magazine exploring the trend in 1993. A co-owner and operator of New York’s Henrietta Hudson Bar & Girl, Graziano has helped create a space where all lesbians, chic and otherwise, establish connections and fall in love every night of the week. Graziano started at Henrietta’s 15 years ago as a bar-back and worked her way to the top, though she still takes turns behind the bar and in the DJ booth as DJ Gee. Creating community has always been her goal, but now she wants to make sure it’s a healthy one. Graziano has returned to school to pursue a degree in holistic health, and is working with Henrietta’s staff and patrons to encourage healthy lifestyle changes. “In other words, if you go too far past the tipsy mark,” she says, “don’t be surprised when you get cut off by one of NYC’s favorite bartenders!” –SJ
