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.
CAMILLE THOMAS
Party promoter Camille Thomas launched LezPlay in 2009 to bring diverse groups of women together throughout New York City, Miami, D.C., Atlanta and Philadelphia. But just hosting events and parties wasn’t enough—she wanted to truly reach women, beyond a night out in a major city. So she founded LezPlay Radio, an online talk show that in 150 episodes has brought together listeners from local communities to as far away as South Africa. For Thomas, providing this outlet for everything from a lesbian soap opera to sex advice is a form of activism. “There is a social responsibility when you become a promoter,” she says. “I thought about what else I could do to enhance our presence; our contribution; our challenges as women; and that was LezPlay Radio. I hope that I’ve made an impact as one of the women whose efforts helped close the gap between us and the other women of America.” –SJ
