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| Chely Wright in Wish Me Away. |
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When singer-songwriter Chely Wright decided to come out as the first openly gay country music star, she did so in a big way -- by making the announcement on Oprah. Not only did her fans not know about this aspect of her life, but neither did some family members, most notably her mother.
Making its world premiere tonight at the Los Angeles Film Festival 2011 (although there was a "sneak peak" at the Nashville Film Festival in April), Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf's documentary, Wish Me Away, chronicles Wright's rise to fame and her coming to grips with those predictable reactions of what many in her country community considered shamefully behavioral choices.
With one-on-one interviews, archival footage and lots of confessional camera time, the film has an intimate home video feel. Wright's tribulations are heartfelt and raw, and full of tears. Make no mistake about it, this is a woman whose strength is obvious, despite her doubts.
In addition to the film, Wright has her latest book, Like Me, and most recent album, Lifted Off the Ground to further her message of hope and understanding, especially for the LGBT youth she hopes to inspire and comfort. With the help of her sister, father and her spiritual guide, Wright and the film prove that no amount of wishing something away will make it so. And thank goodness for that.
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