6. Jennifer Knapp
Musician Jennifer Knapp began her career as a Contemporary Christian folk singer; two of her early albums were nominated for Grammy Awards. In 2010, Knapp announced that she is gay, and has since faced the predictable fall-out among her Christian fan base. In the following interview with Larry King, Jennifer details her experience in the closet and why she finally decided to step out.
7. Tracy Ryerson
One of the stars of Season 1 of The Real L Word, Tracy is a producer and model turned reality-TV star. In a hilarious interview with Liz Feldman, she discusses coming out at the age of 25.
8. Portia DeGeneres
Actress Portia DeGeneres, née de Rossi, was known (before coming out and marrying the most famous lesbian in the world) for her role on Ally McBeal. She has since starred on Better Off Ted and Arrested Development. In 2010 she wrote a book titled Unbearable Lightness, which discusses her struggle with anorexia as well as her sexuality. Here she speaks about the fears that kept her in hiding for so long.
9. Bridget McManus
Out comedian Bridget McManus is known for her hilarious stand-up act as well as for her role as a leader in the lesbian community. She writes for AfterEllen as well as hosting two shows on Logo (Brunch with Bridget and That Time of the Month). Below, Bridget discusses how she knew she was gay from a young age, as well as her experience of coming out of the closet in high school.
10. Chely Wright
Country music singer-songwriter Chely Wright made headlines last year when she announced that she is gay. Her touching memoir, Like Me, details the struggles she faced in the closet that led to her near-suicide attempt, as well as her subsequent acceptance of herself and public coming out. For more on Chely, a previous Featured Femme on a Mission, click here!
What do you think of these fearless femmes? Who was your favorite? Who would you add to the list?
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femme on a mission 
Haven’t found any video yet, but here’s an interview that Jasika Nicole (of Fox’s “Fringe”) did with AfterEllen: http://www.afterellen.com/people/2008/10/jasikanicole?page=0%2C0
She’s awesome.
Oh wow! Thanks so much for that link. She is so awesome! I don’t watch Fringe and I had never heard of/seen her before. I’m going on a video hunt.. :)
I love Fringe and her character, Astrid, is so great!
Why isn’t Ellen degeneres on this list? She was the first who really was the litmus test for everyone else
@littlegirlwithabigbun Ellen Degeneres isn’t on this list because, litmus test or not, she is not “femme.”