100 Women We Love 2011
It’s been a whirlwind year for Chely Wright. The award-winning country artist and songwriter stunned the conservative country music world by coming out in 2010, a difficult and life-changing decision she detailed in her 2011 autobiography, Like Me. She also released her critically-acclaimed seventh album, Lifted Off the Ground, a tour-de-force more than five emotionally-grueling years in the making. The documentary film, Wish Me Away, chronicles her journey from preparation to aftermath of her decision to come out to Nashville, her hometown, and within the LGBT community, will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival this summer. Her soul-searching, however, has been worth it: The newly-minted LGBT role model serves as the national spokesperson for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and speaks out against school bullying. Wright believes “that to whom much is given, much is required. I have lived a very blessed life and I know what it feels like to achieve goals. I want to do my part in helping others have as many opportunities to have milestones in their lives too.” –KL
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.
VICCI MARTINEZ
Millions of fans—and Cee-Lo Green—can’t be wrong about Vicci Martinez. The soulful, powerful singer, a finalist for Team Cee-Lo on NBC’s breakout series The Voice, has been writing music and performing for half of her 26 years. The Tacoma, WA native’s achievements include reaching the semi-finals on CBS’ Star Search, winning a ticket to Hollywood on American Idol (and turning it down because she wanted to mature further as an artist) and independently releasing six albums. “I just hope to inspire people to be okay with who they are, who they love, and how they love—and to do things that will inspire others to do the same,” says Martinez, who won a 2009 OutMusic Award for Outstanding Folk/Country Song with Blair Hansen for their song “Break Away.” The most rewarding part of her career so far, she adds, is “knowing that my message and purpose is actually rubbing off on others. I love getting messages from people that say they are taking that leap of faith, and doing what makes them happy and passionate in life. That’s why I do what I do!” –KL
