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.
Portia DeRossi
Native Australian Portia DeRossi is known for her roles on popular TV shows such as Ally McBeal, Arrested Development, Nip/Tuck and Better Off Ted. This fall, the versatile comedic actress will also become an author. Her new book, Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain, to be published by Atria, will detail her battles with eating disorders. The wife of talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, DeRossi is an outspoken supporter of marriage equality. In a recent interview with The Advocate, she said, “I think it’s up to us to save marriage—up to gay people across the country, seeing as though we’re fighting for it so vehemently.” -CB
