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.
DINA ROSENTHAL
For more than 10 years, Dina Rosenthal has brought a can-do attitude and style to the office of Executive Director of the Staten Island Children’s Museum, a favorite educational destination for kids from the New York metro area. A former staff member at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the Science Museum of Virginia and other institutions, Rosenthal believes museums fill two roles: introducing families to culture, and allowing children to play and learn in a safe atmosphere. During her tenure, the Staten Island Children’s Museum doubled its size to 40,000 square feet and now delights more than a quarter-million visitors annually with exhibits covering everything from bugs to pirates. “The joy and wonderment that children experience while playing are all the motivation I need to continue creating museum exhibits and programs for them,” Rosenthal says. “I am constantly being challenged to find new ways to create opportunities for children to play.” –KL
