Rachel Paulson's Picks for Top Ten Power Lesbians Under 40

Rachel Maddow: 36, Activist/Talk Show Host/Author

Ladies, get your Tivo ready. Every weeknight at 9pm EST on MSNBC-TV, Rachel Maddow's funny, fast-paced news show airs. The Rachel Maddow show is the only show I have on episodic format on my Tivo. Finally, a talk show that takes a smart and funny look into politics, pop culture and real live news. If you're not watching, you're missing out. Rachel's power lesbian status doesn't stop there. She also has a Doctorate in Political Science -- just a side note she was a Rhodes Scholar -- and she is an activist for HIV/AIDS research as well as prison reform. She apparently makes a "perfect" cocktail and hates Coldplay -- things are just getting better. A Rhodes Scholar who will make me a perfect cocktail? Sounds like my dream woman. Get in line for this one, I'll fight you all for her and I throw a mean left hook.

Leisha Hailey: 38, Actress/Musician

When I turn on Showtime's The L Word, the one character  I think could be my best friend is Alice Piescecki. Her animated facial expressions coupled with her dry sense of humor make her one of the show's main reason's to watch. But, the actress who portrayed her doesn't stop there. 

When Hailey wasn't making girls all over the country cry from laughter on The L Word she was playing music. You're heart is starting to flutter already isn't it? She formed the Pop Duo called The Murmurs in 1991, and they enjoyed a cult following in the 90's, releasing several albums and touring with Lilith Fair in 2001 (which we all know was every Birkenstock wearing lesbian's dream). Hailey also formed a small independent record label called Marfa Records in late 2002. Soon after, Leisha formed the elctro-pop duo Uh Huh Her with Camilla Grey.

In 2007, she was named the sexiest woman alive on an online website, to which she responded, "I hope Angelina's not mad at me." This is a woman I wouldn't kick out of bed for eating crackers. Hell, she could even wake up and not make the bed and I would still like her. She's just that charming.

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