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.
BEVERLY KOPF & BOBBIE BIRLEFFI
Beverly Kopf (left) and Bobbie Birleffi—a.k.a. TV Gals Media—have racked up so many awards and accolades in their 11-year partnership that they’re going to need a bigger mantle. Since 2000, Birleffi and Kopf have produced, directed and written documentaries for PBS, NBC, A&E, Bravo, Lifetime, TLC, VH1 and many more. Prior to forming their production company, Birleffi won an Emmy for Men Who Molest, a one-hour documentary for the PBS series Frontline; earned several Emmy nominations for her public affairs-focused programs, and made a number of critically acclaimed independent documentaries. Kopf spent four years as part of the creative team producing NBC’s award-winning series First Person with Maria Shriver. She later won an Emmy for writing The View, and created the show’s trendy “Hot Topics” segment. TV Gals Media latest project, the feature-length documentary Wish Me Away, follows country star Chely Wright during her difficult coming-out process—and it’s already generating serious buzz. “Chely is an amazing ambassador for anyone who feels like an outcast, that they have something to hide, or that they’re not accepted for one reason or another,” says Kopf. “She has already saved lives.” adds Birleffi, “She connects with people in places where gay is not acceptable and she represents a positive image of
