LGBTQ representation in country music

There has been a longtime but relatively unknown history of LGBTQ representation in country music.[1] LGBTQ visibility in the genre has increased since the 2010s.[2] Modern LGBTQ country musicians include Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Lil Nas X, Maren Morris, Grant MacDonald, Cameron Hawthorn, Orville Peck, TJ Osborne, and drag performer Trixie Mattel.[3][4][5][6]

Artist and gay liberation activist Patrick Haggerty formed the band Lavender Country in 1972. The band's self-titled first album, released in 1973, has been credited as the first openly gay country album.[7][8] In 1992, Grammy winning country singer k.d. Lang came out as a lesbian.[9]

In 2023, Dixon Dallas released "Good Lookin'", which quickly became a viral song due to its catchy tune combined with its lyrics graphically describing gay sex[10] and later released two more songs centering around gay love and gay sex.[11] Queer country anthems include "The Giver" (2025) by Chappell Roan.[12]

Los Angeles has seen a monthly country karaoke event for the LGBTQ community.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ "The story of queer country music – and its message of hope". www.bbc.com. 2020-06-11. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
  2. ^ Freeman, Jon (2021-08-18). "Why Country Music Was (Finally) Ready to Come Out". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
  3. ^ "Discover 29 LGBTQ+ country artists you need to hear now". www.out.com. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
  4. ^ "10 queer and trans country artists for your big gay twangy summer playlist | Xtra Magazine". 2024-07-03. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
  5. ^ ChloeRobinson (2020-09-07). "Cameron Hawthorn is the country gay icon we all need". CelebMix. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  6. ^ Richards, Chris (2013-11-06). "Brandy Clark's debut album is a stunner. But will anybody hear it?". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  7. ^ Dickinson, Chris (2000). "Country Undetectable: Gay Artists in Country Music". Journal of Country Music. XXI (1): 28–39. Archived from the original on April 10, 2009. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  8. ^ Groff, Will (2023-10-31). "Country music has always been queer...seriously". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
  9. ^ Gleason, Holly (5 October 2021). Woman Walk the Line: How the Women in Country Music Changed Our Lives. University of Texas Press. p. 123-128. ISBN 978-1-4773-2258-1. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  10. ^ Wiggins, Christopher (August 4, 2023). "Dixon Dallas Talks About His Viral Gay Country Song That You Have to Hear to Believe". Advocate. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  11. ^ Rude, Mey (August 16, 2023). "Dixon Dallas' Steamy New Country Song Is About Riding 'Like an F-150'". Out. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  12. ^ Gibbs, Audrey. "Chappell Roan defies norms with lesbian country song. More queer country anthems". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
  13. ^ "This country karaoke night in L.A. is a rootin', tootin' hootenanny with a queer twist". Los Angeles Times. 2025-01-09. Retrieved 2025-04-21.


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