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.
MARY MAC
A legendary presence in a nightlife scene known for its fickle patrons, Mary Mac has been the resident DJ at the Saturday night event LoverGirl NYC for 15 years and is an in-demand guest at venues across the country. The CEO of the entertainment company Dream 5 Star Productions, Mac frequently collaborates with other DJs, MCs, producers, artists and promoters to deliver a state-of-the-art party experience. This year Mac adds a headlining set at Rapture on the River 8, the official women’s party of NYC Pride, to her impressive resume; you can also catch her spinning underground hip hop, R&B and old school classics throughout Pride weekend at Pride 2011 Unleashed. Recently she launched Mary Mac Photography, shooting A-listers like Nicky Minaj and Lil Kim. “I hope to show my community that you can survive in this world doing what you love,” Mac says, “no matter what trials and tribulations may come their way.” –KL
