Country mic has a lengthy reputatn for beg tensely homophobic. Gay untry sgers were, sadly, not warmly weled. Still, some stood out loud and proud.
Contents:
- QUEER COUNTRY: LBIAN AND GAY MASTREAM COUNTRY ARTISTS? (BOOK EXCERPT)
- HERE ARE GAY COUNTRY SGERS WHO STOOD OUT LOUD AND PROUD
- 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
- 9 COUNTRY MIC ARTISTS WHO HAVE COME OUT AS GAY
- COUNTRY MIC HAS NEVER BEEN MORE GAY
QUEER COUNTRY: LBIAN AND GAY MASTREAM COUNTRY ARTISTS? (BOOK EXCERPT)
* gay country female artists *
The chos even exprs acceptance of weed and homosexualy, topics that are unfortunately still taboo mastream untry, pecially when sung by a woman. 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.
HERE ARE GAY COUNTRY SGERS WHO STOOD OUT LOUD AND PROUD
"I’ve known straight and gay people all my life. I n’t tell the difference." * gay country female artists *
Osborne, one half of the Brothers Osbourne, me out last year, the first out gay artist signed to a major untry label. 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. 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.
11 COUNTRY MIC ARTISTS WHO HAVE COME OUT AS GAY
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. "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.
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
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. 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.
9 COUNTRY MIC ARTISTS WHO HAVE COME OUT AS GAY
The band’s first album, also lled “Lavenr Country, ” was one of the first untry albums wh outwardly gay them, acrdg to Billboard. The album, origally released 1973, clus songs wh lyrics about queer sire and homophobia. In a 2014 Guardian terview celebratg Paradise of Bachelors’ reissue of Patrick Haggerty’s 1973 out gay untry album, Wright said that she doubted that eher the world or Nashville was ready for the lyrics Haggerty’s album or for an artist to e out at age neteen, which she said would be “idtic.
I wouldn’t ll the dtry homophobic, but they’re aaid of the fear lots of fans have about gay people. Her fellow out gay mastream untry mician peer Ty Herndon’s style is firmly pop untry, and although he was outed by arrt 1995, he had three number 1 untry songs between 1995 and 2000. Out gay untry artist and award wng songwrer Shane McAnally was most ank, sharg the sort of stage banter that’s entirely typil of other queer and trans untry micians at other shows but that was surprisgly rare this ncert.
COUNTRY MIC HAS NEVER BEEN MORE GAY
This album led to major attentn, cludg an vatn to play at the Newport Folk Ftival and a Gay and Lbian Mic Award for Bt Country Artist of the Year.
Gthier’s songs have been featured the untry mic dtry–themed HBO drama Nashville, although her mic, cludg her most recent album, Rifl and Rosary Beads, wrten wh US war veterans, is more often nomated for awards folk (where won the 2018 Album of the Year at the Internatnal Folk Mic Awards) and Amerina mic (where was nomated for 2018 Album of the Year by the Amerina Mic Associatn) than untry (the Gay and Lbian Amerin Mic Awards, awardg her a prize 1998, regnized her as “untry”). Carlile’s mic has not centered on activist them the way that a band like Lavenr Country or My Gay Banjo has.