Editing Chely Wright (section)

==Activist career==
===2000–2010: Early activism===
Wright first began her work with activism through music education. She was inspired to help public schools following the [[Columbine High School massacre]]. In 2000, she established the Reading, Writing and Rhythm non-profit organization. The program helps provide public schools with musical instruments and brings attention to the significance of music education.<ref name="Reading Writing and Rhythm">{{cite web |title=Reading, Writing and Rhythm Foundation |url=http://www.rwandr.org/ |website=Reading, Writing and Rhythm.org |access-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210202814/http://rwandr.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Wright holds a yearly concert for the organization in Nashville that has included numerous performers in its lineup. Musicians at previous events have included [[Jann Arden]], Rodney Crowell, [[Taylor Swift]] and [[Tanya Tucker]]<ref name="The Boot 2010">{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Gayle |title=Chely Wright Reading, Writing + Rhythm Boasts All-Star Cast |url=https://theboot.com/chely-wright-reading-writing-rhythm/ |website=The Boot |date=April 14, 2010 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref><ref name="CMT 2010">{{cite web |last1=Self |first1=Whitney |title=Chely Wright and Friends Raise $185,000 for Music Education |url=http://www.cmt.com/news/1561844/chely-wright-and-friends-raise-185000-for-music-education/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025023410/http://www.cmt.com/news/1561844/chely-wright-and-friends-raise-185000-for-music-education/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |website=[[Country Music Television]] |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> The concert has also helped raise significant amounts of money for the organization — in 2007 it raised $185,000.<ref name="CMT 2010"/> Since its inception, Reading, Writing and Rhythm has raised nearly one million dollars.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Gayle |title=Chely Wright's Reading, Writing + Rhythm Hits All the Right Notes |url=https://theboot.com/chely-wright-reading-writing-rhythm-2010/ |website=The Boot |date=June 9, 2010 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> "I'm so proud of this charity and the difference we've been able to make in so many young people's lives," she said in 2010.<ref name="The Boot 2010"/> In 2002, Wright received the [[National Association for Music Education]]'s "FAME Award" in recognition of her accomplishments.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.menc.org/about/view/fame-award-and-partnership-of-professionals-award-honorees |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011215920/http://www.menc.org/about/view/fame-award-and-partnership-of-professionals-award-honorees |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 11, 2008 |title=FAME Award and Partnership of Professionals Award Honorees |date=October 11, 2008}}</ref>
[[File:Chely wright.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Wright has performed with and supported US military troops overseas.]]

Wright has also been involved in working with military members and veterans. Following the [[September 11 attacks]], she embarked on a [[United Service Organizations|USO]] tour performing for American troops in [[Iraq]].{{sfn|Wright, Chely|2010|p=134}} She also met with servicemen in [[Germany]] and [[Kuwait]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Guas |first1=Sgt. Anthony |title=Chely Wright reaches out to service members deployed to Al Asad |url=https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/552525/chely-wright-reaches-out-to-service-members-deployed-to-al-asad/ |website=Headquarters Marine Corps |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> During the same period, she visited veterans and military servicemen recovering at the [[Walter Reed National Military Medical Center]] in [[Bethesda, Maryland]].{{sfn|Wright, Chely|2010|p=198}} In the early 2000s, also joined wounded and recovering troops at a private military service event hosted by former vice president, [[Dick Cheney]].{{sfn|Wright, Chely|2010|p=198}} In 2003, she was named "Woman of the Year" by the [[American Legion Auxiliary]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.alaforveterans.org/Awards/Woman-of-the-Year/ |title=Woman of the Year - American Legion Auxiliary |website=Alaforveterans.org |access-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923051152/https://www.alaforveterans.org/Awards/Woman-of-the-Year/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

She has also spoken out against the former American military policy, [[Don't ask, don't tell]]. In her 2010 memoir, Wright wrote that the law "made no sense" to her and that she believed policymakers at the time were wrong for accepting it. In addition, she stated she believes it was put into practice due to a misconception that LGBT people are more likely to be sexually promiscuous. In her book, Wright further explained her reasoning: "Homosexuality does not make a person promiscuous, perverted, unprofessional, or without judgment."{{sfn|Wright, Chely|2010|p=211}} She later spoke out about it again in 2010 with ''[[Entertainment Weekly]].'' Wright commented that she was "angry" that former president [[George W. Bush]] and former vice president Cheney had not spoken out on the law.<ref name="EW">{{cite magazine |last1=Pastorek |first1=Whitney |title=Chely Wright on her decision to come out: 'I won't be a whisper. I'm too proud of who I am.' |url=https://ew.com/article/2010/05/05/chely-wright-comes-out-qa/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref>

===2010–present: LGBT activism===
Wright became involved in [[LGBT social movements|LGBT activism]] following her decision to publicly come out in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=The National Center for Lesbian Rights Celebrates 34 Years of LGBTQ Legal Advocacy |url=https://www.nclrights.org/about-us/press-release/the-national-center-for-lesbian-rights-celebrates-34-years-of-lgbt-legal-advocacy/ |website=National Center for Lesbian Rights |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> She received notable attention in the LGBT community with the release of her 2010 memoir, ''[[Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer]].'' The book was published by [[Random House, Inc.]]{{sfn|Wright, Chely|2010|p=6}} The book described Wright's rise to fame and struggle with being a closeted person in the country music industry. It also chronicles Wright's realization of her identity as a lesbian.<ref name="The Advocate">{{cite web |last1=Rachel |first1=T. Cole |title=Chely Wright: Country Singer Comes Out and Comes Clean |url=https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2010/05/02/chely-wright-country-singer-comes-out-and-comes-clean |website=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]] |date=May 2, 2010 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Entertainment Weekly]],'' Wright explained that she chose to write the book for herself but also to encourage other LGBT individuals to accept themselves as they are: "...if I aid someone or comfort someone or help facilitate understanding for someone in the process, that’s a great byproduct of what I’m doing," she explained.<ref name="EW"/> The book received positive reviews from critics following its release. Jack Feerick of ''[[Kirkus Reviews]]'' praised Wright for being "unpolished and raw."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Feerick |first1=Jack |title=Chely Wright's Coming Out in 'Like Me' |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-features/articles/chely-wrights-coming-out-me/ |website=[[Kirkus Reviews]] |access-date=January 30, 2021}}</ref> The ''New York Journal of Books'' called the memoir "gut-wrenching" in their review of the book.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mark |first1=Amanda |title=A Book Review by Amanda Mark: ''Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer'' |url=https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/me-confessions-heartland-country-singer |website=NY Journal of Books |access-date=January 30, 2021}}</ref> ''Like Me'' later received recognition from the LGBT literature association, the [[Lambda Awards]], in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=23rd Lambda Literary Awards |url=https://www.lambdaliterary.org/2011/06/22nd-annual-lambda-literary-awards/ |website=[[Lambda Literary Awards]] |date=June 27, 2011 |access-date=January 31, 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Chely Wright--Cyndi Lauper.jpg|thumb|left|225px|Wright and [[Cyndi Lauper]] at an event for the Gay and Lesbian Center, 2000s.]]
Shortly after coming out, Wright performed at the 2010 Capitol Pride parade in [[Washington D.C.]] She also made several national public television appearances to discuss her coming out story and LGBT rights on shows, including ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]'' and ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]].''<ref name="The Advocate"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Chely Wright, Country Music's First Out Lesbian Star: The Autostraddle Interview |url=https://www.autostraddle.com/chely-wright-country-music-gay-interview-72366/ |website=[[Autostraddle]] |date=January 10, 2011 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> Wright also spoke out on CNN in 2010 to discuss the increased suicide rate by LGBT youth in the United States. Also included on program were [[Nate Berkus]], [[Kathy Griffin]] and [[Wanda Sykes]].<ref>{{cite web |title=CNN LARRY KING LIVE Celebrities Speak Out on Gay Bullying, Aired October 4, 2010 |url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/lkl/date/2010-10-04/segment/01 |website=[[CNN]] |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> In 2010, Wright was named the National Spokesperson for the organization [[GLSEN]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.glsen.org/press/glsen-honor-supporters-respect-awards-%E2%80%94-new-york |title=GLSEN to honor supporters at Respect Awards — New York |website=Glsen.org |language=en |access-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707193521/https://www.glsen.org/press/glsen-honor-supporters-respect-awards-%E2%80%94-new-york |url-status=dead }}</ref> Wright was named one of ''[[Out (magazine)|Out]]'' magazine's annual 100 People of the Year.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/exclusive-musicians-who-made-the-out-100-63449/ |title=Exclusive: Musicians Who Made the 'Out' 100 |date=November 1, 2010 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> ''Metro Source New York'' magazine named her as one of the 20 people We Love in 2010. In 2011, she appeared in the [[PBS]] documentary, ''Out in America,'' that discussed the LGBT experience in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kane |first1=Matt |title=Documentary Film "Out in America" Premiering This Month on PBS |url=https://www.glaad.org/2011/06/03/documentary-film-out-in-america-premiering-this-month-on-pbs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726221536/http://www.glaad.org/2011/06/03/documentary-film-out-in-america-premiering-this-month-on-pbs |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 26, 2012 |website=[[GLAAD]] |date=September 14, 2011 |access-date=February 6, 2021 }}</ref> After U.S. President [[Barack Obama]] announced his support for LGBT rights, Wright endorsed his re-election campaign in 2012.<ref name="http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=11984">{{cite web |url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=11984 |title=Chely Wright:Obama's Gay Marriage Nod Saved Lives |website=Ontopmag.com |access-date=April 22, 2013}}</ref>

In 2011, Wright released a [[documentary]] chronicling her coming-out story titled ''[[Wish Me Away]].'' The film was officially released to American markets in spring 2012.<ref name="Indie Wire">{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Nigel |title=Chely Wright Doc "Wish Me Away" Finds U.S. Home |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2011/11/chely-wright-doc-wish-me-away-finds-u-s-home-51187/ |website=Indie Wire |date=November 10, 2011 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> The film was directed by Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf. Both directors filmed ''Wish Me Away'' over a three-year span.<ref name="NY Times 2012">{{cite news |last1=Catsoulis |first1=Jeannette |title=A Country Singer Comes Out, Very Carefully |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/01/movies/chely-wright-wish-me-away-a-documentary.html |website=[[New York Times]] |date=June 2012 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> The documentary was reviewed positively following its release. ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called it "a sympathetic, emotional portrait of a life at a pivotal transition."<ref>{{cite web |title=Review: ''Wish Me Away'' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2012-jun-15-la-et-chely-wright-capsule-20120615-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 15, 2012 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' concluded, "By the end you may not be a fan of her music, but it’s hard not to root for her rebirth."<ref name="NY Times 2012"/> ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' commented that ''Wish Me Away'' was released at "the right moment" because marriage equality was a hot-button topic at the time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Farber |first1=Stephen |title=''Wish Me Away'': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/wish-me-away-film-review-206345 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=June 28, 2011 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> ''Wish Me Away'' was later nominated by the [[GLAAD Media Awards]] in the category of "Outstanding Documentary."<ref name="glaad.org">{{cite web |last1=Townsend |first1=Megan |title=Chely Wright Announces Pregnancy, 'Wish Me Away' Nominated for GLAAD Media Award |url=https://www.glaad.org/blog/chely-wright-announces-pregnancy-wish-me-away-nominated-glaad-media-award?response_type=embed |website=[[GLAAD]] |access-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204150615/https://www.glaad.org/blog/chely-wright-announces-pregnancy-wish-me-away-nominated-glaad-media-award?response_type=embed |url-status=dead }}</ref> It also won an accolade from the [[Los Angeles Film Festival]]<ref name="Indie Wire"/> and received a nomination from the [[Emmy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitaker |first1=Sterling |title=Chely Wright Documentary 'Wish Me Away' Receives Emmy Nomination |url=https://theboot.com/chely-wright-documentary-wish-me-away-emmy-nomination/ |website=The Boot |date=July 17, 2013 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> Since its release, Wright stated that she still receives letters from LGBT individuals who said it has helped them acknowledge their own sexuality.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tucker |first1=Karen Iris |title=Chely Wright, Who Lost Fans When She Came Out in 2010, Has a New Album and No Regrets |url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2016/09/chely-wright-on-how-coming-out-shaped-her-new-album-i-am-the-rain.html |website=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref>

In 2012, Wright established an LGBT organization titled, "LIKEME." The nonprofit organization is designed to help educate and provide assistance to individuals in the LGBT community. This includes youth, adults and family members of those struggling with their sexual identity.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us: The LIKEME Organization |url=https://likeme.org/about-us/ |website=LIKEME.org |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> In May 2012, Wright and the organization founded a "Lighthouse" center in [[Kansas City, Missouri]]. The community center includes resources, staff and counselors to help those in the LGBT community find support.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chely Wright's LIKEME organization to open LGBT center in Kansas City |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/03/chely-wrights-likeme-organization-to-open-lgbt-center-in-kansas-city/ |website=LGBTQ Nation |date=March 9, 2012 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> Since its launch, the center has received funds from various events, including a 2016 live performance fundraiser.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whitaker |first1=Sterling |title=Chely Wright Raising Funds, Awareness for LGBT Center: 'I Like to Dream Big Read More: Chely Wright Raising Funds, Awareness for LGBT Center |url=https://tasteofcountry.com/chely-wright-likeme-lighthouse-interview/ |website=Taste of Country |date=November 12, 2015 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref>

In 2014, Wright spoke on the stage of the GLAAD Media Awards to discuss anti-bullying legislation with fellow activist Marcel Neergaard. She also introduced country artist [[Kacey Musgraves]], who performed her song, "[[Follow Your Arrow]]."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Townsend |first1=Megan |title=Out country star Chely Wright and 12-year-old LGBT advocate Marcel Neergaard get standing ovation at #GLAADAwards |url=https://www.glaad.org/blog/video-out-country-star-chely-wright-and-12-year-old-lgbt-advocate-marcel-neergaard-get-standing |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510213926/http://www.glaad.org/blog/video-out-country-star-chely-wright-and-12-year-old-lgbt-advocate-marcel-neergaard-get-standing |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 10, 2014 |website=[[GLAAD]] |date=May 5, 2014 |access-date=February 6, 2021 }}</ref> In recent years, Wright has been outspoken on [[Bathroom bill|transgender bathroom laws]]. She discussed her views against the laws on [[Twitter]] and on other social media platforms. In 2016, Wright appeared on CNN encouraging the country music industry to be supportive of laws that protect transgender Americans in the state of Tennessee.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Daley |first1=Elizabeth |title=Lesbian Country Singer Chely Wright Begs Genre to 'Condemn Bigoted Laws' |url=https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2016/4/14/lesbian-country-singer-chely-wright-begs-genre-condemn-bigoted-laws |website=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]] |date=April 14, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref>

In 2021, Wright was announced as the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the interior space company [[Unispace]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Introducing Chely Wright |url=https://www.unispace.com/news/renowned-advocate-chely-wright-joins-our-team-as-chief-diversity-equity-inclusion-officer |website=[[Unispace]] |date=March 30, 2021 |access-date=27 April 2024}}</ref> She has since formed collaborations with the Women's Business Enterprise National Council and the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council. In describing her transition into the role, Wright commented, "I wanted to leverage my public capital in that way. That's when I began working in corporate spaces, higher education, faith communities, and, combining all of those strategies."<ref>{{cite web |last=Odisho |first=Taylor |date=February 27, 2023 |title=Unispace's Chief Diversity Officer Chely Wright Reveals What Her Country Music Career Taught Her About DEIB |url=https://seniorexecutive.com/unispaces-chief-diversity-officer-chely-wright-what-country-music-career-taught-her-about-deib/ |website=Senior Executive |access-date=27 April 2024}}</ref>

Wright helped inspire the creation of the 2022 book ''My Moment'', which included stories from various female entertainers and their experiences with the [[MeToo movement]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Willman |first=Chris |title=Kristin Chenoweth, Chely Wright, Kathy Najimy, Linda Perry, Lauren Blitzer Compile Book of Women's Awakening Stories |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=November 11, 2021 |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/my-moment-book-chely-wright-kristin-chenoweth-linda-perry-lauren-blitzer-kathy-najimy-1235110004/ |access-date=August 5, 2023}}</ref><ref name="My Moment">{{cite book |editor1-last=Wright |editor1-first=Chely |editor2-last=Najimy |editor2-first=Kathy |editor3-last=Chenoweth |editor3-first=Kristin |editor4-last=Blitzer |editor4-first=Lauren |editor5-last=Perry |editor5-first=Linda |title=My Moment: 106 Women on Fighting for Themselves |date=2022 |publisher=[[Gallery Publishing Group]] |isbn=978-1982160920}}</ref>