Chely Wright Is Engaged

Chely Wright and Lauren Blitzer

Courtesy Chely Wright

Less than a year after coming out, Chely Wright is engaged.

"Out country singer Chely Wright and her fianc�e, Lauren Blitzer, a GLBT Civil Rights activist have set a date and plan to be married in Connecticut Aug. 20," Wright's rep tells PEOPLE. "They met through their youth advocacy work, and say that their passion for Scrabble holds them together."

"The freedom of being out and open about who I am allowed me to find and fall in love with Lauren," Wright tells PEOPLE, "the most amazing woman I've ever known."

Wright hid her sexuality up until last May for fear of being shunned by the country music community.

The singer, 40, who struggled with depression and even considered suicide, has since become outspoken about her sexuality, and penned a memoir, Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer, in which discussed her journey.

"Nothing in my life has been more magical than the moment I decided to come out," she told PEOPLE last year.

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