Gay Country Songs: Bt LGBTQ Country/Amerina Anthems – Billboard

Contents:

• 9 COUNTRY MIC ARTISTS WHO HAVE COME OUT AS GAY
• FAMEWATCHER SEARCH PRIMARY MENU SKIP TO NTENT HOMECELEBRY HAIR TRANSPLANTCELEBRY PLASTIC SURGERYCELEBRY LEATHER JACKETBODY SHAPER SEARCH FOR: GAY MALE CELEBRI, HOT COUNTRY SGERSGAY MALE COUNTRY SGERS: EIGHT OUT AND PROUD COUNTRY STARS
• 11 COUNTRY MIC ARTISTS WHO HAVE COME OUT AS GAY
• 12 COUNTRY MIC STARS WHO ARE LGBT ALLI "I’VE KNOWN STRAIGHT AND GAY PEOPLE ALL MY LIFE. I N’T TELL THE DIFFERENCE."BY ADAM SALANDRAFEBARY 2, 2017/8:00 {HEIGHT:HER;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;POSN:RELATIVE;-WEBK-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-MS-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-WEBK-ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-ALIGN:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-ALIGN:CENTER;ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-WEBK-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;-MS-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;} IMG{HEIGHT:100%;WIDTH:100%;OBJECT-F:VER;}{HEIGHT:574PX;WIDTH:1020PX;}BY ADAM SALANDRAFEBARY 2, 2017 / 8:00 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"12 COUNTRY MIC STARS WHO ARE LGBT ALLI","THUMBNAILURL":","DATEPUBLISHED":"2017-02-02T13:00:14.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2017-02-02T13:00:14.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","URL":","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"ADAM SALANDRA"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE NOT TRADNALLY THOUGHT OF AS LGBT-IENDLY, THE UNTRY MIC SCENE HAS BEE MUCH MORE CLIVE RECENT YEARS—AS SGERS LIKE BILLY GILMAN, TY HERNDON AND BRANDY CLARK HAVE ALL E {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CMT HOST CODY ALAN ALSO REVEALED HE WAS GAY JT LAST MONTH, AND WAS MET WH OVERWHELMG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN TO SETTG AN EXAMPLE FOR FANS, ALLI ARE JT AS IMPORTANT AS OUT STARS THEMSELV, AND THERE ARE PLENTY THE MUNY WHO ARE SUPPORTIVE. BELOW, TUNE TO 12 UNTRY MIC STARS WHO ARE PROVG THE GENRE IS MORE CLIVE THAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WATCH NASHVILLE, THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9PM ON {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GARTH BROOKSGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BROOKS WAS AN ALLY LONG BEFORE OTHER UNTRY MICIANS EVEN NSIRED AN OPTN: THE UNTRY STAR WON A GLAAD AWARD BACK 1993 FOR HIS SONG "WE SHALL BE FREE," WHICH HE CROONS ABOUT BEG "EE TO LOVE ANYONE WE CHOOSE." HE ALSO PERFORMED ALONGSI GEE MICHAEL AT AN EQUALY ROCKS NCERT BACK {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE GRAMMY WNER CREDED HIS LATE SISTER, BETSY SMTLE, WHO WAS A LBIAN, WH SPIRG HIM TO SPEAK OUT FOR EQUALY. "IF YOU'RE LOVE, YOU'VE GOT TO FOLLOW YOUR HEART," HE TOLD GEE MAGAZE 1999. "AND JT TST THAT GOD WILL EXPLA TO WHY WE SOMETIM FALL LOVE WH PEOPLE OF THE SAME SEX."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE DIXIE CHICKSGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE DIXIE CHICKS ARE FAMO FOR STANDG UP FOR THEIR BELIEFS, OM RAISG AWARENS ABOUT DOMTIC ABE TO STANDG OPPOSN TO THE IRAQ WAR. IN 2007, WHEN THE CHICKS WERE ON HIAT, SISTERS MARTIE MAGUIRE AND EY ROBSON RERD “A’T NO SON,” ABOUT A YOUNG MAN REJECTED BY HIS FATHER FOR BEG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MORE RECENTLY, THE TR TOOK A STAND AGAST NORTH CAROLA'S HB2: WHILE MANY PERFORMERS NCELLED THEIR NORTH CAROLA NCERTS PROTT, THE TR GAVE OUT HATS THAT READ "NO HATE MY STATE" TO DIENCE MEMBERS AND TEAMED UP WH HRC TO TE PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DOLLY PARTONGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DOLLY HAS BEEN A CHAMPN OF LGBT RIGHTS, NOT TO MENTN A GAY IN, FOR MOST OF HER REER. AND SHE HASN'T BEEN AAID TO LL OUT HER CHRISTIAN MUNY FOR S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"THEY KNOW THAT I PLETELY LOVE AND ACCEPT THEM, AS I DO ALL PEOPLE," PARTON SAID ABOUT HER GAY FANS A 2014 BILLBOARD TERVIEW. "I THK EVERYBODY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE WHO THEY ARE, AND TO LOVE WHO THEY LOVE. I DON'T THK WE SHOULD BE JUDGMENTAL. LORD, I'VE GOT ENOUGH PROBLEMS OF MY OWN TO PASS JUDGMENT ON SOMEBODY ELSE."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PARTON ALSO FAMOLY ARGUED FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, SAYG THAT GAY PEOPLE "SHOULD SUFFER JT LIKE HETEROSEXUALS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LEEANN RIMGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LEEANN RIM FOUGHT BACK TEARS A 2014 TERVIEW WH GLAAD WHEN SHE PRAISED HER IEND AND FELLOW UNTRY STAR TY HERNDON FOR G OUT OF THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"I HOPE THAT WE'RE MOVG FORWARD AND NOT BACK," SHE STATED. "I GET REALLY EMOTNAL ABOUT BEE PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOVE WHO THEY LOVE. IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WILLIE NELSONGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WILLIE HAS BEEN A LONGTIME SUPPORTER OF EQUALY, TELLG TEXAS MONTHLY, "I’VE KNOWN STRAIGHT AND GAY PEOPLE ALL MY LIFE. I N’T TELL THE DIFFERENCE. PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE WHERE I ME OM."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2005, HE EVEN NTRIBUTED "COWBOYS ARE FREQUENTLY, SECRETLY FOND OF EACH OTHER" TO THE BROKEBACK MOUNTA SOUNDTRACK. "I HAD ON THE B FOR 20 YEARS, AND PEOPLE WOULD E AND I'D PLAY ," HE EXPLAED. "WHEN BROKEBACK MOUNTA E OUT, JT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD TIME TO KICK OUT OF THE CLOSET."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}KACEY MGRAVGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MGRAV IS NOT ONLY A RISG STAR THE UNTRY SCENE, SHE'S THE REIGNG QUEEN OF ALLI, WNG CMA SONG OF THE YEAR 2014 WH "FOLLOW YOUR ARROW," WHICH FEATUR LYRICS LIKE, "MAKE LOTS OF NOISE/ KISS LOTS OF BOYS/ OR KISS LOTS OF GIRLS/ IF THAT'S SOMETHG YOU'RE TO."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SHE TWEETED HER SUPPORT AFTER CMT HOST CODY ALAN ME OUT LAST MONTH, SAYG, "YOU'RE PAVG THE WAY FOR OTHERS THE UNTRY MIC MUNY TO BE THEMSELV PROUDLY. COUNTRY MIC WAS BUILT ON REAL SONGS AND REAL PEOPLE TELLG STORI ABOUT REAL LIFE. SO, 'S EXCG TO SEE THE GENRE EMBRACE EXACTLY THAT."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WYNONA JUDDGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WYNONA LAND THE VER STORY LADI HOME JOURNAL BACK 2005, AND CHOSE TO DISCS HER WORK FOR YOUTHAIDS, A NONPROF TG YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT HIV. THAT SAME YEAR, SHE TOLD NSERVATIVE CHRISTIANS WHO ATTACKED HER FOR PERFORMG ON A GAY CISE THAT SHE WOULD NEVER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“I’VE HAD THE BIGGT GAY FOLLOWG THE HISTORY OF UNTRY 1980-SOMETHG. I THK ’S JT THE MORE YOU TALK ABOUT LOVE, THE MORE YOU TALK ABOUT GOD, THE BIGGER OF A TARGET YOU ARE. SO, BRG ON.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CARRIE UNRWOODGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE AMERIN IDOL WNER GOT SOME BACKLASH FOR SUPPORTG MARRIAGE EQUALY BEFORE HER PEERS. "I FELY THK WE SHOULD ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO LOVE, AND LOVE PUBLICLY, THE PEOPLE THAT WE WANT TO LOVE," SHE TOLD THE INPENNT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ASKED HOW SHE BALANCED HER RELIG BELIEFS WH HER PRO-LGBT VIEWS, UNRWOOD PROUDLY CLARED THAT HER CHURCH IS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"ABOVE ALL, GOD WANTED TO LOVE OTHERS," SHE SAID. "IT'S NOT ABOUT SETTG L, OR [SAYG], 'EVERYONE HAS TO BE LIKE ME.' NO, WE'RE ALL DIFFERENT. THAT'S WHAT MAK SPECIAL. WE HAVE TO LOVE EACH OTHER AND GET ON WH EACH OTHER."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TOBY KEHGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PERHAPS ONE OF THE MOST SURPRISG ALLI ON THIS LIST IS NSERVATIVE TOBY KEH. DPE BEG ONE OF FEW ACTS WILLG TO PERFORM AT DONALD TMP'S GURATN, THE “RED SOLO CUP” SGER HAS NO PROBLEM WH MARRIAGE EQUALY OR THE REPEAL OF "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“THAT WHOLE GAY ISSUE THG, THAT’S NEVER BOTHERED ME,” HE TOLD CMT 2011. “WE’RE GOG TO STOP SOMEBODY OM GETTG A MARRIAGE LICENSE BEE THEY’RE GAY? YOU WON’T STOP THEM OM LIVG TOGETHER, SO WHAT HAVE YOU ACPLISHED?"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CRICIZG POLICIANS FOR SPENDG TIME AND MONEY ON BLOCK EQUALY STEAD OF WORKG ON REAL ISSU, HE ADD, "I NEVER SAW THE REASONG BEHD GETTG PEOPLE’S PERSONAL LIV."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}US NEHER, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}REBA MCENTIREGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"I’VE ALWAYS HELD THE BELIEF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD NOT PASS JUDGMENT ON HOW OTHERS WANT TO LIVE THEIR LIV," REBA TOLD NEWNOWNEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE UNTRY LEGEND ALSO EXPRSED HER EMPATHY FOR OUT UNTRY SGERS, TELLG PRISOURCE, "IT’S REALLY, REALLY SAD WHAT THEY’RE LIVG WH BEFORE THEY CI TO E OUT... THE PRSURE SOCIETY PUTS UPON THEM, THEIR FAI, AND WHAT THEY PUT UPON THEM, WHETHER THEY ACCEPT OR THEY DON’T.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MARTA MCBRIGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2009, MCBRI WAS ASKED IF SHE FEARED BACKLASH OM HER "NSERVATIVE, STRAIGHT, MIDDLE AMERIN" FANS OVER HER SUPPORT OF GAY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"HONTLY, I JT HAVE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR ME. WHAT I BELIEVE... THAT I FEEL LIKE TOLERANCE IS VERY IMPORTANT," SHE TOLD OUT. "I HAVE THREE DGHTERS AND THAT'S WHAT I TEACH THEM. I THK WE SHOULD ALL BE TOLERANT OF EACH OTHER AND EMBRACE EACH OTHER'S STRENGTHS AND DIFFERENC AND UNIQUENS AND BETY."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}RASL FLATTSGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN RASL FLATTS RELEASED "LOVE WHO YOU LOVE" BACK 2009, THEY WERE SPEAKG DIRECTLY TO THE LGBT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“WE ACTUALLY HAVE SOME GAY PEOPLE THAT WORK WH , AND WE HAVE A LOT OF IENDS THAT ARE GAY, TOO, AND I KNOW THAT THIS SONG HAS SPIRED THEM,” LEAD SGER GARY LEVOX TOLD CMT. “I KNOW THAT G OUT WAS TOUGH ON THEIR PARENTS, AND ON THEM, AND THE WHOLE ENTIRE FAY. FOR A LONG TIME, SOME OF THEM DIDN’T GET TO HEAR ‘I LOVE YOU’ OM THEIR DADS OR BE ACCEPTED THAT WAY... IT’S HELPED A LOT OF OUR IENDS.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
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• GAY MALE COUNTRY MIC SGERS YOU NEED TO KNOW

9 COUNTRY MIC ARTISTS WHO HAVE COME OUT AS GAY

That he’s gay is “the least tertg thg about [him], ” Peck said. Sgg gay love songs once killed the reers of artists like Patrick Haggerty, whose band Lavenr Country 1973 released what’s wily nsired the first untry album rerd by an out gay performer.

Osborne, one half of the Brothers Osbourne, me out last year, the first out gay artist signed to a major untry label.

FAMEWATCHER SEARCH PRIMARY MENU SKIP TO NTENT HOMECELEBRY HAIR TRANSPLANTCELEBRY PLASTIC SURGERYCELEBRY LEATHER JACKETBODY SHAPER SEARCH FOR: GAY MALE CELEBRI, HOT COUNTRY SGERSGAY MALE COUNTRY SGERS: EIGHT OUT AND PROUD COUNTRY STARS

In 1973, years after the Peace Corps kicked him out for beg gay, he released his first rerd. ” His lyrics, fiant and heartwrenchg, nmned the racism and homophobia that supprsed Haggerty and his bandmat. In 2014, the producer end up rereleasg the rerd, once only available by orrg om the backpag of Seattle’s gay newspaper.

11 COUNTRY MIC ARTISTS WHO HAVE COME OUT AS GAY

He views Lavenr Country as a “revolutnary obligatn” he’s bound to, now that he’s fally got a platform and a willg dience for his songs about racism, homophobia and the fltl Amerin society.

After the wife of untry sger Jason Alan ma an ignorant post thankg her parents for not "forcg her" to be trans when she was a tomboy, other sgers, like Maren Morris, clapped back, sayg there's no room for homophobia and transphobia untry mic and that those clgg onto need to change or get out of the way.

12 COUNTRY MIC STARS WHO ARE LGBT ALLI "I’VE KNOWN STRAIGHT AND GAY PEOPLE ALL MY LIFE. I N’T TELL THE DIFFERENCE."BY ADAM SALANDRAFEBARY 2, 2017/8:00 {HEIGHT:HER;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;POSN:RELATIVE;-WEBK-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-MS-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-WEBK-ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-ALIGN:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-ALIGN:CENTER;ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-WEBK-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;-MS-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;} IMG{HEIGHT:100%;WIDTH:100%;OBJECT-F:VER;}{HEIGHT:574PX;WIDTH:1020PX;}BY ADAM SALANDRAFEBARY 2, 2017 / 8:00 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"12 COUNTRY MIC STARS WHO ARE LGBT ALLI","THUMBNAILURL":","DATEPUBLISHED":"2017-02-02T13:00:14.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2017-02-02T13:00:14.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","URL":","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"ADAM SALANDRA"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE NOT TRADNALLY THOUGHT OF AS LGBT-IENDLY, THE UNTRY MIC SCENE HAS BEE MUCH MORE CLIVE RECENT YEARS—AS SGERS LIKE BILLY GILMAN, TY HERNDON AND BRANDY CLARK HAVE ALL E {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CMT HOST CODY ALAN ALSO REVEALED HE WAS GAY JT LAST MONTH, AND WAS MET WH OVERWHELMG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN TO SETTG AN EXAMPLE FOR FANS, ALLI ARE JT AS IMPORTANT AS OUT STARS THEMSELV, AND THERE ARE PLENTY THE MUNY WHO ARE SUPPORTIVE. BELOW, TUNE TO 12 UNTRY MIC STARS WHO ARE PROVG THE GENRE IS MORE CLIVE THAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WATCH NASHVILLE, THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9PM ON {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GARTH BROOKSGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BROOKS WAS AN ALLY LONG BEFORE OTHER UNTRY MICIANS EVEN NSIRED AN OPTN: THE UNTRY STAR WON A GLAAD AWARD BACK 1993 FOR HIS SONG "WE SHALL BE FREE," WHICH HE CROONS ABOUT BEG "EE TO LOVE ANYONE WE CHOOSE." HE ALSO PERFORMED ALONGSI GEE MICHAEL AT AN EQUALY ROCKS NCERT BACK {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE GRAMMY WNER CREDED HIS LATE SISTER, BETSY SMTLE, WHO WAS A LBIAN, WH SPIRG HIM TO SPEAK OUT FOR EQUALY. "IF YOU'RE LOVE, YOU'VE GOT TO FOLLOW YOUR HEART," HE TOLD GEE MAGAZE 1999. "AND JT TST THAT GOD WILL EXPLA TO WHY WE SOMETIM FALL LOVE WH PEOPLE OF THE SAME SEX."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE DIXIE CHICKSGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE DIXIE CHICKS ARE FAMO FOR STANDG UP FOR THEIR BELIEFS, OM RAISG AWARENS ABOUT DOMTIC ABE TO STANDG OPPOSN TO THE IRAQ WAR. IN 2007, WHEN THE CHICKS WERE ON HIAT, SISTERS MARTIE MAGUIRE AND EY ROBSON RERD “A’T NO SON,” ABOUT A YOUNG MAN REJECTED BY HIS FATHER FOR BEG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MORE RECENTLY, THE TR TOOK A STAND AGAST NORTH CAROLA'S HB2: WHILE MANY PERFORMERS NCELLED THEIR NORTH CAROLA NCERTS PROTT, THE TR GAVE OUT HATS THAT READ "NO HATE MY STATE" TO DIENCE MEMBERS AND TEAMED UP WH HRC TO TE PEOPLE ABOUT LGBT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DOLLY PARTONGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DOLLY HAS BEEN A CHAMPN OF LGBT RIGHTS, NOT TO MENTN A GAY IN, FOR MOST OF HER REER. AND SHE HASN'T BEEN AAID TO LL OUT HER CHRISTIAN MUNY FOR S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"THEY KNOW THAT I PLETELY LOVE AND ACCEPT THEM, AS I DO ALL PEOPLE," PARTON SAID ABOUT HER GAY FANS A 2014 BILLBOARD TERVIEW. "I THK EVERYBODY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE WHO THEY ARE, AND TO LOVE WHO THEY LOVE. I DON'T THK WE SHOULD BE JUDGMENTAL. LORD, I'VE GOT ENOUGH PROBLEMS OF MY OWN TO PASS JUDGMENT ON SOMEBODY ELSE."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PARTON ALSO FAMOLY ARGUED FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, SAYG THAT GAY PEOPLE "SHOULD SUFFER JT LIKE HETEROSEXUALS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LEEANN RIMGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LEEANN RIM FOUGHT BACK TEARS A 2014 TERVIEW WH GLAAD WHEN SHE PRAISED HER IEND AND FELLOW UNTRY STAR TY HERNDON FOR G OUT OF THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"I HOPE THAT WE'RE MOVG FORWARD AND NOT BACK," SHE STATED. "I GET REALLY EMOTNAL ABOUT BEE PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOVE WHO THEY LOVE. IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WILLIE NELSONGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WILLIE HAS BEEN A LONGTIME SUPPORTER OF EQUALY, TELLG TEXAS MONTHLY, "I’VE KNOWN STRAIGHT AND GAY PEOPLE ALL MY LIFE. I N’T TELL THE DIFFERENCE. PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE WHERE I ME OM."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2005, HE EVEN NTRIBUTED "COWBOYS ARE FREQUENTLY, SECRETLY FOND OF EACH OTHER" TO THE BROKEBACK MOUNTA SOUNDTRACK. "I HAD ON THE B FOR 20 YEARS, AND PEOPLE WOULD E AND I'D PLAY ," HE EXPLAED. "WHEN BROKEBACK MOUNTA E OUT, JT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD TIME TO KICK OUT OF THE CLOSET."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}KACEY MGRAVGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MGRAV IS NOT ONLY A RISG STAR THE UNTRY SCENE, SHE'S THE REIGNG QUEEN OF ALLI, WNG CMA SONG OF THE YEAR 2014 WH "FOLLOW YOUR ARROW," WHICH FEATUR LYRICS LIKE, "MAKE LOTS OF NOISE/ KISS LOTS OF BOYS/ OR KISS LOTS OF GIRLS/ IF THAT'S SOMETHG YOU'RE TO."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SHE TWEETED HER SUPPORT AFTER CMT HOST CODY ALAN ME OUT LAST MONTH, SAYG, "YOU'RE PAVG THE WAY FOR OTHERS THE UNTRY MIC MUNY TO BE THEMSELV PROUDLY. COUNTRY MIC WAS BUILT ON REAL SONGS AND REAL PEOPLE TELLG STORI ABOUT REAL LIFE. SO, 'S EXCG TO SEE THE GENRE EMBRACE EXACTLY THAT."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WYNONA JUDDGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WYNONA LAND THE VER STORY LADI HOME JOURNAL BACK 2005, AND CHOSE TO DISCS HER WORK FOR YOUTHAIDS, A NONPROF TG YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT HIV. THAT SAME YEAR, SHE TOLD NSERVATIVE CHRISTIANS WHO ATTACKED HER FOR PERFORMG ON A GAY CISE THAT SHE WOULD NEVER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“I’VE HAD THE BIGGT GAY FOLLOWG THE HISTORY OF UNTRY 1980-SOMETHG. I THK ’S JT THE MORE YOU TALK ABOUT LOVE, THE MORE YOU TALK ABOUT GOD, THE BIGGER OF A TARGET YOU ARE. SO, BRG ON.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CARRIE UNRWOODGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE AMERIN IDOL WNER GOT SOME BACKLASH FOR SUPPORTG MARRIAGE EQUALY BEFORE HER PEERS. "I FELY THK WE SHOULD ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO LOVE, AND LOVE PUBLICLY, THE PEOPLE THAT WE WANT TO LOVE," SHE TOLD THE INPENNT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ASKED HOW SHE BALANCED HER RELIG BELIEFS WH HER PRO-LGBT VIEWS, UNRWOOD PROUDLY CLARED THAT HER CHURCH IS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"ABOVE ALL, GOD WANTED TO LOVE OTHERS," SHE SAID. "IT'S NOT ABOUT SETTG L, OR [SAYG], 'EVERYONE HAS TO BE LIKE ME.' NO, WE'RE ALL DIFFERENT. THAT'S WHAT MAK SPECIAL. WE HAVE TO LOVE EACH OTHER AND GET ON WH EACH OTHER."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TOBY KEHGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PERHAPS ONE OF THE MOST SURPRISG ALLI ON THIS LIST IS NSERVATIVE TOBY KEH. DPE BEG ONE OF FEW ACTS WILLG TO PERFORM AT DONALD TMP'S GURATN, THE “RED SOLO CUP” SGER HAS NO PROBLEM WH MARRIAGE EQUALY OR THE REPEAL OF "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“THAT WHOLE GAY ISSUE THG, THAT’S NEVER BOTHERED ME,” HE TOLD CMT 2011. “WE’RE GOG TO STOP SOMEBODY OM GETTG A MARRIAGE LICENSE BEE THEY’RE GAY? YOU WON’T STOP THEM OM LIVG TOGETHER, SO WHAT HAVE YOU ACPLISHED?"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CRICIZG POLICIANS FOR SPENDG TIME AND MONEY ON BLOCK EQUALY STEAD OF WORKG ON REAL ISSU, HE ADD, "I NEVER SAW THE REASONG BEHD GETTG PEOPLE’S PERSONAL LIV."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}US NEHER, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}REBA MCENTIREGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"I’VE ALWAYS HELD THE BELIEF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD NOT PASS JUDGMENT ON HOW OTHERS WANT TO LIVE THEIR LIV," REBA TOLD NEWNOWNEXT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE UNTRY LEGEND ALSO EXPRSED HER EMPATHY FOR OUT UNTRY SGERS, TELLG PRISOURCE, "IT’S REALLY, REALLY SAD WHAT THEY’RE LIVG WH BEFORE THEY CI TO E OUT... THE PRSURE SOCIETY PUTS UPON THEM, THEIR FAI, AND WHAT THEY PUT UPON THEM, WHETHER THEY ACCEPT OR THEY DON’T.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MARTA MCBRIGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2009, MCBRI WAS ASKED IF SHE FEARED BACKLASH OM HER "NSERVATIVE, STRAIGHT, MIDDLE AMERIN" FANS OVER HER SUPPORT OF GAY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"HONTLY, I JT HAVE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR ME. WHAT I BELIEVE... THAT I FEEL LIKE TOLERANCE IS VERY IMPORTANT," SHE TOLD OUT. "I HAVE THREE DGHTERS AND THAT'S WHAT I TEACH THEM. I THK WE SHOULD ALL BE TOLERANT OF EACH OTHER AND EMBRACE EACH OTHER'S STRENGTHS AND DIFFERENC AND UNIQUENS AND BETY."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}RASL FLATTSGETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN RASL FLATTS RELEASED "LOVE WHO YOU LOVE" BACK 2009, THEY WERE SPEAKG DIRECTLY TO THE LGBT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“WE ACTUALLY HAVE SOME GAY PEOPLE THAT WORK WH , AND WE HAVE A LOT OF IENDS THAT ARE GAY, TOO, AND I KNOW THAT THIS SONG HAS SPIRED THEM,” LEAD SGER GARY LEVOX TOLD CMT. “I KNOW THAT G OUT WAS TOUGH ON THEIR PARENTS, AND ON THEM, AND THE WHOLE ENTIRE FAY. FOR A LONG TIME, SOME OF THEM DIDN’T GET TO HEAR ‘I LOVE YOU’ OM THEIR DADS OR BE ACCEPTED THAT WAY... IT’S HELPED A LOT OF OUR IENDS.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

"But there's a very sid culture of people feelg very fortable beg transphobic and homophobic and racist, and that they n wrap a joke and no one will ever ll them out for . Me out as gay 2021 and ntu to release hs wh his band.

HERE ARE GAY COUNTRY SGERS WHO STOOD OUT LOUD AND PROUD

One of untry mic's greatt songwrers and producers is gay. Their 1973 self-tled album is nsired the first known gay-themed untry mic album. When he me out as gay, and also revealed that when he had been sexually abed by an uncle, he was disowned om his fay.

Herndon is nsired by most to be the first mastream male untry artist to e out as gay when he did so 2014.

COUNTRY MIC HAS NEVER BEEN MORE GAY

The album explored the tersectn of beg gay and relig and her song "Lovg You" is a self-acceptance anthem about lovg who you love no matter Getty Imag. In se you missed the news om last year, the Brothers Osborne ontman me out as gay, sayg his fay and close iends have known for que some time, but he wants to be his full self at this pot his reer.

Here are 9 untry artists/members of the untry mic world who have e out as gay over the years. Gay Male Country Sgers. He me out as gay last Febary makg him, the words of wikipedia, “the first openly gay artist signed to a major untry mic label”.

Lookg for a list of gay male untry sgers? Their stars may not be as bright as untry stars such as Garth Brooks, Keh Urban, and our favore untry sger Blake Shelton but the gay untry sgers are jt as talented.

‘I’M HERE, I’M QUEER AND I’M COUNTRY’: THE TOP 5 GAY COUNTRY SONGS

Anyhoo, let’s start our list wh:Steve Grand: Male mol-turned-openly-gay-untry-sger om Lemont, Illois is the breakout star of 2013. Canadian untry sger Drake Jensen married partner Michael Mor 2008 and publicly me out as gay four years later by releasg a mic vio for the sgle, On My Way to Fdg You, which featured his hband. Drake dited the song to a gay Ottawa teen, Jamie Hubley, who mted suici bee of about his sexualy (via Towleroad): “As a child I always knew there was somethg different about me above and beyond the gay thg.

COUNTRY MIC'S (NOT SO SECRET) GAY HISTORY

I’m a homosexual mician tellg my story through songs and spreadg the msage of love.

MASKED SGER ORVILLE PECK ON BEG OPENLY GAY COUNTRY MIC: ‘WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN THERE’

Next our list of gay male untry sgers is Brian Glenn who performed wh big untry stars such as Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Patty Lovels, and his favore of them all Dolly says of his experience sgg wh Dolly (via the Wdy Cy Tim): “It will be one of the greatt moments mic to date for me—backg up Dolly Parton.

GAY MALE COUNTRY MIC SGERS YOU NEED TO KNOW

”In 2002, Glenn joed Marty Stuart’s band, The Fabulo Superlativ, and me out to Marty who apparently didn’t md if Glenn is gay or straight. Remember this was more than a ago when gays were still aaid to e Brian of tourg wh The Fabulo Superlativ (via Wdy Cy Tim): “I love tourg wh Marty.

[The band] beme aware [that I was gay] about three or four months to [my time wh the band], the fall of 2002, and hasn’t been a signifint enough of a problem for anyone to be replaced.