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.
CHRISTINE VACHON
“At least twice a month someone approaches me and tells me I made their favorite film—and it’s always a different film!” producer Christine Vachon says of her 25-year career. She has been the driving force behind some of the most beloved, risky and emotionally demanding work in independent film. Her productions have racked up an impressive list of awards and nominations, including the Sundance Grand Jury Prize for her very first feature production, Todd Haynes’ Poison; an Emmy for the TV version of This American Life; and two Academy Awards for the gripping drama Boys Don’t Cry. Other notable films produced by Vachon include Hedwig and the Angry Inch (directed by John Cameron Mitchell) and Happiness (directed by Todd Solondz). She is the co-founder of the production company Killer Films and the author of Shooting to Kill and A Killer Life. Most recently, Vachon teamed up with long-time collaborator Haynes to produce the critically acclaimed HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce, starring Kate Winslet. –CM
