#43: Chely Wright
Year They Came Out of the Closet: 2010
Chely Wright is an American country music singer who achieved mainstream success in a traditionally conservative genre. With multiple hit singles in the 1990s, she built a strong career while hiding her sexuality due to fears of industry backlash.

Wright came out publicly later in life, describing it as a life-saving decision. Her courage challenged norms in country music and made her a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ representation, particularly in spaces where visibility had been rare.
