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.
Reverend Pat Bumgardner
An active and vocal proponent for LGBT rights as human rights, Reverend Pat Bumgardner has served in numerous capacities at the Metropolitan Community Church of New York (MCCNY) for the past 30 years. Bumgardner has traveled the world addressing hunger, homelessness, homophobia and social prejudice. She founded The Sylvia Rivera Memorial Food Pantry and Sylvia’s Place, an emergency shelter dedicated to providing safe space for homeless LGBTQ youth. As senior pastor and executive director of the MCC’s Global Justice Institute, she has become a sought-after speaker, crossing denominational and multi-cultural divides. “I sincerely hope and pray that the work we do…will make the world a safer, more just place for everyone, especially God’s LGBTQI children,” says Reverend Bumgardner. She lives in the West Village with her spouse of 25 years and their puppy, and recently welcomed the birth of their first grandchild. –DP
