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.
Erin Foley
Of her craft, comedian Erin Foley says, “I hope people leave laughing. Uncontrollably. Snorting. Hysteria. Throwing their clothing at the stage. Women’s clothing. Although, I like ties. I mean, I prefer if women took off their clothes and threw them at me. Gently. I don’t want someone’s belt scratching my cornea.” Foley got her start at clubs throughout New York City, but now lives in Los Angeles; she performs at big name venues on both coasts including Caroline’s on Broadway, The Improv and Gotham Comedy Club. Also an accomplished actress, Foley appeared in Cameron Crowe’s film Almost Famous and in the short films Squeezeplay and Paper Mache Case. Foley recently shot her own half-hour Comedy Central special. “What I enjoy most about my work is having the gay community come together and laugh and not feel so isolated,” she says. “ That truly brings me unbridled joy. I also like getting paid in drink tickets.” -CB
