Wishin' and Hopin' and Still Comin' Out

Wish Me Away explores Chely Wright's evolution from closeted country singer to out and active LGBT spokeswoman. Wright put her Nashville ambitions above all from a young age, learning to pray for the strength to hide her sexuality for fear that her fans (who adored her, but were largely steeped in a culture of homophobia) would abandon and alienate her. Wright played it straight, living in secret with her lover throughout much of the '90s; Meanwhile, hits like "Single White Female" and "Shut Up and Drive" climbed the country charts, focusing more and more attention on her personal life. Decades of self-hate and one suicide attempt later, Wright decides to come out -- to her abusive mother, her small hometown, her fans and the LGBT community -- via the release of a tell-all memoir, a heart-baring new album and a massive talk show tour. The film documents her story as well as this process, complete with intimate moments from her video diary and recordings of conversations with her previously homophobic but now wholly supportive father. Wish Me Away screens at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, November 13, at the Tivoli Theatre (6350 Delmar Boulevard; www.cinemastlouis.org). Tickets are $10 to $12.
Sun., Nov. 13, 2011