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.
Constance McMillen
All Mississippi high school student Constance McMillen wanted to do was dress up in a tuxedo and take her girlfriend to the senior prom. But her school, Itawamba Agricultural High, had a rule against same-sex prom dates and refused her request. After the school received a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union on McMillen’s behalf, the entire prom was canceled. The courageous McMillen, with the help of the ACLU, filed a federal lawsuit and in a preliminary hearing a judge found that her First Amendment right to freedom of expression had been violated. It’s expected that the case will go to trial. At 18, McMillen already has a strong sense of community, and she has been honored for it with an appointment to serve as a Grand Marshal at this year’s New York City Pride March. She says, “I just hope that what I’m doing will help make LGBT students more confident about standing up for themselves, and that students won’t have to go through what I have.” -CB
