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.
The Reverend Canon Mally Ewing Lloyd & The Very Reverend Katherine Hancock Ragsdale
On January 1, the Very Reverend Katherine Hancock Ragsdale (right) and the Reverend Canon Mally Ewing Lloyd became the first lesbian couple married by the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. “We didn’t get married to have an impact on the LGBTQ community,” Ragsdale says. “We believe in the sacrament and the notion that this marriage will not only enhance the ministries each of us already has but will, in ways yet to evolve, take on a life, and ministries, of its own.” Ragsdale became the first female dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in 2009 and has served on the national boards of several progressive organizations. Since 2008, Lloyd has overseen operations for one of the Church’s largest and most politically active dioceses, representing eastern Massachusetts in the church’s highest legislative body, the General Convention, and serving on its national program, budget and finance committee. “I think particularly about the sisterhood of women who have suffered and dared to be open about who they are so that those of us who come behind have a slightly easier path,” Lloyd says. “But it’s not easy enough yet. We can’t rest.” –DP
