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.
Melissa Ferrick
Performing more than 150 shows a year, Melissa Ferrick is one of the busiest women in the folk-music biz. After her album Everything I Need was named 1999’s Album of the Year by the Gay and Lesbian American Music association, Ferrick started her own Right On Records in 2000. Driven by her rabid fans and glowing reviews, this year she released her fifteenth album, a compilation of cover songs called Enough About Me. Despite her success, Ferrick still sells her own merch after her shows to stay connected to her fans, as well as her indie roots. “I feel a responsibility first to myself to live as an openly gay woman. Living an honest and truthful life is paramount for me,” she says. -EI
