100 Women We Love

100 Women We Love 2011

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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.

NATASHA DILLON

A founding member of the direct-action group Queer Rising, Natasha Dillon has been instrumental in organizing several prominent LGBT demonstrations over the past 18 months. Last year Dillon was arrested at the White House for protesting the president’s lack of leadership on the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal, and on the Las Vegas Strip for blocking traffic and demanding that Sen. Harry Reid bring the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to a vote. A vocal proponent of marriage equality (and twice arrested in New York this year), Dillon says, “it makes all the work worth it when I see the hope and genuine gratitude on the faces of those whose lives have been torn apart because of inequality, and the realization that life is going to get a bit better because of all the work we do.” Dillon is also the Vice President of Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, sits on Community Board 3 in Manhattan and is the founder of Guiding Proud, the first and only LGBTQ youth mentoring program in New York City. She was recently honored at Stonewall’s 5th Annual Women’s Awards for her leadership in politics and activism. –DP

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