100 Women We Love Class of 2010
A Houston, Texas native, Annise Parker has remained close to her roots. She was sworn in as the 61st mayor of Houston in January, becoming only the second woman and first openly gay person to hold that office. She graduated from Rice University and worked for two decades in the oil and gas industry, with 18 of those years spent at the Houston-based Mosbacher Energy Company. For ten years, she co-owned Inklings, a Houston-based independent gay bookstore. Parker was involved in Houston politics for several years prior to becoming mayor, serving six years as a member of the City Council and one six-year term as Houston City Controller. -CB
As the first decade of the new millennium comes to an end, we take a moment to celebrate 100 out lesbians who have made the past year one of inspiring change and amazing progress.
Glennda Testone
Glennda Testone was appointed the executive director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in New York City last November, becoming the first woman to ever hold that position. A longtime social justice and civil rights leader, Testone is working on revamping the Board of Directors by recruiting more women. Testone says, “From my office at the Center, I have a front row seat to witness the beautiful diversity and individuality of our community. It is a sight to behold, and it makes me want to fight even harder to assist those who need help, to empower our young people and to enable each person to achieve their individual and collective dreams. I was so proud of our community when we came to find a burned rainbow flag on the Center’s doorstep one morning. We moved quickly to gather and send the message that we are strong and will not be intimidated.” -CB
