Fran Drescher

The Awesome Woman of the Day for Wednesday, February 1, 2012 is Fran Drescher (Francine Joy Drescher), born September 30, 1957 in Flushing, NY. http://www.frandrescher.com/

Fran is a US actress and producer who is known primarily for comedic roles, especially so because of her distinctive voice and laugh, but she is also a survivor, an advocate, and an activist.

From Wikipedia: Drescher was a first runner-up for "Miss New York Teenager" in 1973, as revealed in her first autobiography "Enter Whining" released December 29, 1995, and on her interview on William Shatner's Raw Nerve, which first aired on January 27, 2009. She attended Hillcrest High School in Jamaica, Queens, where she met her future husband, Peter Marc Jacobson, whom she married in 1978, at age 21. They divorced in 1999.[3] Jacobson was Drescher's constant supporter in her show-business career, and he wrote, directed and produced her signature television series, The Nanny. Drescher graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1975, the same year comedian Ray Romano graduated from [the same] high school. Drescher's character Fran Fine on The Nanny and Romano's character Ray Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond met at a 20th high school reunion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran_Drescher

Her early film appearances were as memorable as they were brief: she's the young woman who asks John Travolta if he's as good in bed as he is on the dance floor in Saturday Night Fever. She played Sally in Hollywood Nights (the young woman who takes Turk to task for premature ejaculation). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hollywood_Knights

And this (start at about 1:12) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Pm4CQ1NjY

She's worked steadily and successfully for over 30 years, see, e.g., http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000376/ , but she's done so much more than act and produce.

She works to support LGBT issues (her ex-husband, with whom she still shares a close personal and working relationship, came out after they divorced). Although she is a democrat, G.W. Bush appointed her as the Public Diplomacy Envoy for Women's Health Issues. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran_Drescher

And (the reason I am profiling her today), after surviving uterine cancer (for which she had been misdiagnosed for 2 years), she founded Cancer Schmancer. http://www.cancerschmancer.org/frans-story

Fran says: We need to take control of our bodies, become greater partners with our physicians and galvanize as one to let our legislators know that the collective female vote is louder and more powerful than that of the richest corporate lobbyists. As Frederick Douglass said, "Power concedes nothing without demand. It never has and it never will."I got famous, then I got cancer, and now I live to talk about it. Sometimes the best gifts come in the ugliest packages. Please lock elbows with me and join the Cancer Schmancer Movement so together we can do what needs to be done, so less of us will die prematurely. Id.

Fran has received the John Wayne Institute’s Woman of Achievement Award, the Gilda Award, the City of Hope Woman of the Year Award, the Hebrew University Humanitarian Award, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Spirit of Achievement Award. the City of Hope Spirit of Life Award,and the first "My Aid Award" for her achievements in support of cancer prevention and rehabilitation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran_Drescher

For more information:

http://www.cancerschmancer.org/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000376/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran_Drescher
http://www.frandrescher.com/

Bella Abzug

Though she only served one term in the U.S. Congress, Bella Abzug probably made more impact than any other one term congressperson.  She was outspoken, loud and she wore really big hats.  She was an early feminist and co-sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment.

She was born in the Bronx in 1920, the daughter of Jewish immigrants.  Her father ran the Live and Let Live Meat Market in Manhattan. She described him as “This Humanist butcher”.  He died when she was 13.

Ms. Abzug said she wanted to be a lawyer from the age of 11, and went to Hunter College, where she was student body President. She applied to Harvard Law school and was rejected because of her gender, then was accepted and graduated from Columbia University.
  There were very few female lawyers when she began her career, and frequently when she went to meetings, she would be told to have a seat and wait for the lawyer.  She credits this for her wearing big hats. She said to be taken seriously women needed to wear hats.  Large hats became her trademark.

Ms. Abzug was an activist for liberal and women’s causes from the beginning and was not afraid to tackle controversial cases.  She defended Willie McGee, a black man accused and convicted (after less than two minutes of jury deliberation).  The case was appealed, but Mr. McGee was eventually executed.

In the 50s she defended people accused of having Communist activities by the HUAC, led by Joseph McCarthy.

In the 60s she was an antiwar activist and was a founder of Women Strike for Peace, and a leader of the movement against President Johnson.  During these years she began her political career. She ran for state assembly and held office there until running for the United States Congress where she served one term.

There were comments about her trademark hats in congress, and she reportedly said, “I watched to see if they wanted me to stop. They did, so I continued wearing them.” While there, she took on the military-industrial complex, the draft, tried to enact national health insurance, and get money for day-care centers. It all would be paid for with money from the Pentagon. Bella was also among the first to advocate for gay rights.   ''She was one of the most exciting, enlightened legislators that ever served in the Congress,'' said Representative Charles B. Rangel.

Bella Abzug fought tirelessly and loudly for women’s issues and peace, both in and out of office.  Her figure was a familiar one at demonstrations and marches for civil rights, women’s rights and peace.
In 1995 she was a leader of a conference in Beijing with the World Conference for Women.  Former President George H.W. Bush commented, ''I feel somewhat sorry for the Chinese, having Bella Abzug running around. Bella Abzug is one who has always represented the extremes of the women's movement.''

When told of his remark, she shot back, ''He was addressing a fertilizer group? That's appropriate."

She died in 1998, after heart surgery.  Ironic, since hear was always somethin she had in abundance.

Cyndi Lauper

Today’s WOD is Cyndi Lauper, born in New York, NY in 1953 is a singer, songwriter, actress, LGBT rights activist and a True 80’s fashion Icon! As a teenager in the 80’s I loved her style, her music, her voice and most of all her attitude. She had a loyal fanbase of anarchists and outcasts for her funky, punk rock image. She was the first female singer to have four top-five singles released from one album. Cyndi herself was known for bucking the norm and giving the middle finger to anyone who tried to keep her down. When she lost her voice, she was told by three different doctors she would never sing again. She went on to make 11 albums and release over 40 singles. Her most popular song, “Girls Just Wanna Fun,” was originally written for a man – but Cyndi thought it was sexist and changed the lyrics, and as a result it became one of the world’s most recognizable feminist anthems.

Although Cyndi has had quite an accomplished career, her activism for the LGBT community has made her a woman truly worthy of praise. She embodies her hit song “True Colors”. An unwavering advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality since the start of her career, Cyndi created the True Colors Tour in 2007. The Tour has brought together artists like Erasure, The B-52s, the Indigo Girls, Deborah Harry and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts for shows that successfully merge great music and public awareness about the issues facing the LGBT community.

To further her role as an activist, Cyndi founded the True Colors Fund in 2008. The non-profit seeks to inspire and engage everyone, particularly the straight community, to become involved in the advancement of LGBT equality. The Fund recently launched the Give a Damn Campaign, an extensive and innovative online public education and awareness initiative.

Once again, Lauper will put her money where her mouth is. Cyndi Lauper is set to open a 30-bed housing facility for homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered youth in Manhattan on September 1st. The True Colors Residence, named after her 1986 hit "True Colors," will be located on West 154th St. near Frederick Douglass Blvd. in Harlem. The residence, the first permanent housing facility of its kind in the city, was conceived by the singer, her manager and the West End Intergenerational Residence, a non-profit focused on providing housing for homeless families and the elderly.

Lauper, a longtime supporter for LGBT rights, was moved to pursue this project because up to 40 percent of homeless youth in the city identify as LGBT. "These young people often face discrimination and at times physical assault in some of the very places they have to go for help," she wrote in a letter seeking donations for the residence. "This is shocking and inexcusable!"

"Our primary goal is to provide a physically and emotionally safe and supportive environment that will empower our young residents to be the self-loving, happy and successful individuals they were meant to be," said Lauper.

In appreciation for her work, Cyndi has been honored by many organizations including the Human Rights Campaign, GLSEN and PFLAG.

Cyndi is also a tireless participant in the struggle to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Most recently, Cyndi has joined with Lady Gaga to be the spokespeople for the 2010 MAC Viva Glam Campaign and to educate woman about HIV/AIDS around the world.

She also continues to participate in efforts and events for organizations like AMFAR, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in order to speak out about the need for education and greater resources to fight this disease.

“It’s an honor to always have the genuine affection of the gay community,” Cyndi says. “They have never turned their back on me. I will never turn my back on them. We’ve had a long and enduring love affair.”


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyndi_Lauper

http://www.wegiveadamn.org/

http://cyndilauper.com/bio/

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/cyndi-lauper-opens-shelter-for-homeless-lgbt-youth-20110825

Billie Jean King

Today’s WOD is Billie Jean King (born Billie Jean Moffit) November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California.

Her father was a Fireman and her mother a homemaker, her younger brother Randy became a major-league pitcher. Billie was an exceptional softball player. Her father and mother did not think playing shortstop was “ladylike” so they encouraged her to take up tennis because it also involved running and hitting a ball. She saved $8.29 in a Mason jar to buy her first tennis racquet, using nail polish to hold its fraying strings together. Billie said, "I knew after my first lesson what I wanted to do with my life," She told her parents that someday she would be the best tennis player in the world…and that she was…Tennis was the game that would change her life and the lives of other women.

History has recorded all King accomplished in furthering the cause of women's struggle for equality in the 1970s. She was instrumental in making it acceptable for American women to exert themselves in pursuits other than childbirth.

Being a child of the 1970’s Billie Jean was my first feminist role model. Having been an athlete as a child, she was a shining light leading the way for equality on and off the playing field. She has long been a champion for social justice and equality. She created new inroads for both genders in and out of sports during her legendary career and she continues to make her mark today. Billie Jean King is a breaker of boundaries; a "shero," to use her word.

In 1967 she was selected as "Outstanding Female Athlete of the World". In 1972 she was named Sports Illustrated "Sportsperson of the Year", the first woman to be so honored; and in 1973, she was dubbed "Female Athlete of the Year".

But, by far, her most memorable accomplishment was when she humiliated Bobby Riggs and single-handedly advanced women’s right by leaps and bounds by doing so. I was young but I clearly remember the rivalry, the challenge Bobby Riggs presented and Billie handing him his ass. The 1973 match was dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes” and it captivated and changed the world. Her victory forever altered the way mothers and fathers viewed their daughters and how daughters viewed themselves. I remember it being a pivital moment in my childhood, I remember how proud I was to be a girl. I was 6yrs old and I will never forget the impact that had on me.

When she retired from professional tennis in 1984, King had logged 39 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles, including a record 20 at Wimbledon. King was a courageous pioneer in elevating women's sports, successfully fighting for equal prize money for men and women tennis players and helping create a world of opportunity for all female athletes. She was the first woman athlete in any sport to earn more than $100,000 in a season. In 1974, she became the first woman to coach a professional team containing men. King was part of the first women's professional tennis tour and signed a $1 contract to play in it, clearing the way for the birth of women's professional tennis as we know it today.

She founded the Women's Tennis Association and was its first president. She was also the first woman commissioner in the history of professional sports. Billie Jean founded the Women's Sports Foundation, Women's Sports Magazine and co-founded World TeamTennis, a groundbreaking co-ed professional tennis league, and World TeamTennis Recreational League, a nationwide, grassroots co-ed tennis program.

Beyond being one of the greatest female athletes in the world, King has always been a tireless fighter for women's rights. She was a champion of Title IX, legislation that equalized opportunities for women on and off the playing field. A champion for social change and equality, she has continued to help the underserved. She is a director of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (he wrote "Philadelphia Freedom" for her,) on the Board of Trustees of the Women's Sports Foundation and has launched an environmental initiative called GreenSlam to encourage more ecologically responsible practices in the sports industry.

As far as Billie’s personal life, she admits that she was not aware of her homosexuality as a teenager, like most kids. She tried the whole marriage thing but was not happy. There was a big scandal when she was discovered having a relationship with another woman. She was embarrassed and was forced to “come out” as a lesbian, but once she did, she became an advocate for lesbian and gay rights. Although King says coming out publicly as a lesbian was her "longest, hardest journey," she has become an international leader in seeking recognition and equal rights for gays and lesbians.

“Ever since that day when I was 11 years old, and I wasn't allowed in a photo because I wasn't wearing a tennis skirt, I knew that I wanted to change the sport.” --Billie Jean King

Betty Ford

Today’s Awesome Woman is Betty Ford, (1918-2011) who died yesterday at the age of 93. Her death touched me in a deep & unexpected way as I realized how much she affected my life. As a sober woman for 26 years, I think I owe my life & my recovery to Betty. When she was hospitalized for her addiction to pain pills & alcohol in 1978, instead of hiding the reason for her hospitalization or treat it with shame, she chose to be publicly honest & fully disclose the details of her addictions & treatment with courage & grace. The publicity of her addiction & recovery created an awareness with the general public about the diseases of alcoholism & addiction which lost a lot of the shameful stigma attached to them. Although I did not go through the Betty Ford Clinic, I think my willingness to get the help I needed was a direct result of her shining a light. She made it okay to be a woman alcoholic. And to seek help. And to not be ashamed. It created awareness that one did not have to be the stereotypical skid row bum, that alcoholism affected everyone from all walks of life. And if that was the only thing she did in her life, she deserves the Awesome Woman of the Day pick. But there was much, much more to her.

As First Lady, Ford was active in social policy and shattered precedents as a politically active presidential wife (Time considered her "the most since Eleanor Roosevelt"). In the opinion of several historians, Ford had more impact upon history and culture than her husband. Ford was noted for raising breast cancer awareness following her 1974 mastectomy and was a passionate supporter of, and activist for, the Equal Rights Amendment. Pro-choice on abortion and a leader in the Women's Movement, she gained fame as one of the most candid first ladies in history, commenting on every hot-button issue of the time, including feminism, equal pay, ERA, sex, drugs, abortion, and gun control.

Born in 1918, Betty developed an early passion for dance which she avidly studied . To help defray the expense of her dance classes, she began modeling clothing at a local department store. During some years in high school, Betty opened her own dance school, renting space to use as a studio where she taught children. She also brought dance instruction into a Grand Rapids’ African-American community with a regular weekly class there for children. With her mother’s hospital work exposing Betty Ford early on to people living with disabilities, she also took on students who were deaf and blind, instructing a sight-impaired student to do ballroom dancing, and even learning rudimentary sign-language to instruct the hearing-impaired. She also entertained and worked with children with disabilities at the Mary Free Bed Home for Crippled Children. At Bennington College she continued to study dance and was given the opportunity to study with Martha Graham In New York. She made numerous appearances with the Martha Graham Auxiliary Dance Company in New York.

Her home life while growing up was difficult. After the stock market crash of 1929, she began working at the age of 14. When Betty was 16, her father died in a manner that might have been suicide. Later in life, Betty realized that both her father & brother were alcoholics. After the death of her father, her mother, Hortense Bloomer, supported herself and three children by working as a real-estate agent. Betty Ford later reflected that the example of her mother’s independence would prove to be an important influence in shaping her views on equal pay for equal work policy issues. In a 1987 interview, Mrs. Ford mentioned not only her mother and Martha Graham as her strongest role models and influences but also Eleanor Roosevelt.

At her mother’s urging, Betty returned to Grand Rapids from New York. At the age of 24, she married her first husband, William Warren. The marriage ended in divorce 5 years later on the grounds of “extensive repeated cruelty.” Warren was also alcoholic, a reality that only later Betty Ford confronted while seeking her own recovery from the disease later in life. During this whole period, Betty continued to work. In a 1987 interview, she reflected that the period would prove an instructive one for her as it was her first full recognition of the inequitable salaries between the genders who performed the same work.

In 1947 she began dating Gerald Ford. He proposed marriage to her, but told her they could not marry until the fall because he had a secret regarding something he “had to do first.” She accepted, only to soon be told by him that, he was planning to run for the Republican nomination for the local seat to the U.S. Congress, and then the general election. Ford had practical concerns that the morally conservative district might not support his marriage to a divorced woman who had a career in modern dance. The wedding was announced in June of that year – after he had won the Republican nomination. Betty became both a wife and political spouse practically at the same time. They had four children, but due to Gerald’s political commitments, it fell to Betty Ford to assume most of the traditional responsibilities of a father to the maturing four children in addition to her many active duties as a mother. The increasing stress which resulted from fulfilling commitments to her family, community and her husband’s career and the hectic schedule it required, led in time to physical problems that led to her using and then abusing prescription painkillers.



After she left the White House, she continued to work for women’s rights. She spoke in support for gay and lesbian rights in the workplace and later, with the former President, in favor of same-gender marriage. She created the Betty Ford Center for Chemical Dependency in order to help women in recovery.

A truly amazing and awesome woman. Thank you Betty for being you so publicly.

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