“It is capitalist America that produced the modern independent woman. Never in history have women had more freedom of choice in regard to dress, behavior, career, and sexual orientation.” — Camille Paglia

I love reading about successful women, so I always look forward to the annual list from POWER UP that ranks 10 Amazing Gay Women in Showbiz. The list for 2006 includes:

1. Cherry Jones, actress
2. Jenny Shimizu, model/actress (and ex-girlfriend of Angelina Jolie)
3. Sarah Warn, Afterellen.com’s creator
4. Diane Anderson-Minshall, executive editor of Curve magazine;
5. Stephanie Gibbons, evp, marketing and promotions, FX Networks;
6. Meredith Kadlec, vice president, original programming, here! Networks;
7. Dina LaPolt, entertainment attorney at LaPolt Law, P.C;
8. Rosie Lopez, record label executive
9. Kirsten Schaffer, senior director, programming/operations for Outfest
10. Lisa Thomas, an entrepreneur/activist

After the well-known lesbians (e.g. Ellen, Rosie, Melissa) couldn’t be nominated again, the list has since become a true reflection of queer women with remarkable careers and not just those nominated for their celebrity. Several of the women listed this year aren’t really that different from the rest of us: they have and continue to work hard in their careers.

Yes, we’ve come a long way baby but according to Dana Dratch at Bankrate.com, “The financial deck is still stacked against women. They earn about three-quarters of what men make. In a divorce, they get less of the assets and more of the children.”

She provides 12 smart moves to make that can be found here:

1. Set a financial goal.
2. Train yourself to be financially independent.
3. Buy your own home.
4. Fund your retirement account.
5. Plan for long-term not crisis management.
6. Start investing.
7. Don’t fear risk.
8. Don’t go it alone.
9. Get emotional support, if you need it.
10. Be more confident in salary negotiations.
11. Venture out of your financial comfort zone.
12. Know that it’s never too late.

Feeling envious about those on the POWER UP list. Well, then focus on Dana’s list of to-dos and you’ll soon realize that money is power!