Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge is best known for her high-energy music, jagged vocals, and for being one of the first rock stars to be openly gay. She came out of the closet publicly at a 1993 inaugural ball for Bill Clinton, making her an icon of gay pride. After her two children were born to her partner Julie Cypher, Etheridge legally adopted both in order to maintain parental rights. Etheridge is an outspoken advocate for the rights of gay parents.

In September of 2003, in celebration of California's newly enacted Domestic Partnership, Melissa Etheridge married her lover and partner, Tammy Lynn Michaels. A year before their wedding, Etheridge and Michaels were awarded jointly the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is given to individuals who have distinguished themselves by fighting homophobia in the entertainment industry.

Etheridge has sold over 25 million records and won two Grammy awards.