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.
FAITH CHOYCE
Smart, quirky and instantly likable, Faith Choyce might have you laughing so hard you won’t notice when she broaches dark, controversial or dangerous topics. The standup comedian effortlessly delivers her heartfelt and humorous spin on everything from Oprah/Jesus comparisons to off-brand breakfast cereal with well-honed wit. Her message to her growing audience: “No matter how different you think you are, there’s always going to be a place for you where you fit in and are accepted for who you are. There’s room for everybody.” She jokes that sunshine, love and her landlord’s phone calls after the third of the month are her biggest inspirations. “Every time someone comes up to me after a show and tells me that I made them forget about some horrible or stressful event in their life, if only for a few minutes, that makes it more than worth it,” Choyce says. “I love making mascara run in a good way.” This fall, don’t miss Choyce’s new show The New Black, coming to a college campus near you. –KL
