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.
Cassendre Xavier
Philadelphia-based multi-media artist Cassendre Xavier founded the Black Women’s Arts Festival in 2003 to fill a gap she saw in the arts world. “I grew up knowing I wanted to be a professional artist someday, but I saw few examples of black women doing that. After many years, I finally became a multi-media artist, and there were still very few examples I knew of that were women like me. I wanted to attend an event that focused only on the interdisciplinary arts of black women. It didn’t exist, so I created it—or, rather, it chose me to bring it into existence.” In addition to being the festival’s executive director, Xavier is also a writer and singer/songwriter focusing on personal growth and spirituality. Now in its seventh year, BWAF will take place July 29–August 1 in Philly and feature the work of visual artists, musicians, spoken word performers and filmmakers. -CB
