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.
JULIE FUCKING POTTER
Julie Fucking Potter, a.k.a. JFP (left), is one half of a hip-hop-and-violin duo with her partner of seven years, Beau Dream, a.k.a. CNOTE (right). A longtime advocate for LGBT visibility in the hip-hop world, JFP was a part of the groundbreaking Homorevolution Tour in 2007, the first hip-hop tour featuring only out LGBT artists. She’s currently enrolled at California State University, Long Beach, and pursuing her credential in adapted physical education—but her homework doesn’t preclude Potter from remaining heavily involved with the campus LGBT organization as a student assistant. Assembling its first queer hip-hop concert and a showcase called Diversitunes was just the beginning—Potter loves hearing feedback from her fans and planning future community gatherings, and hopes to “inspire, empower and unite the LGBTQ community. We must realize, and then utilize, the infinite power within us all.” JFP is writing and recording with CNOTE on a series of free summer mix-tapes and prepping her sophomore album Home Grown Fantasy for a late 2011 release. –KL
