100 Women We Love

100 Women We Love 2011

, , , and

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.

ELLIS AVERY

The acclaimed author of two novels and a memoir, Ellis Avery teaches fiction in Columbia University’s esteem-ed writing program. Her first novel, 2006’s The Teahouse Fire, set in the elegant tea-ceremony culture of 19th century Japan, has been translated into five languages and won three awards, including the Lambda Lesbian Debut Fiction Award and the American Library Association Stonewall Fiction Award. Her second novel, The Last Nude, inspired by Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempicka, is forthcoming from Riverhead in January 2012. “I write to shine the light of my attention on almost-missed moments of beauty and humor,” Avery says, “and on the lives of fascinating women half-forgotten by history.” –CM

What Do You Think?