Who in country music is gay

Country music has a lengthy and not-so-proud reputation for being intensely homophobic. Lavender Country was widely praised as a pioneer, while Orville Peck, Brandy Clark, and Sarah Shook stood out for their unique styles.

Users also mentioned Brandi Carlile, Wilma Burgess, Willi Carlisle, and k.d.

But again, I felt like I was promoting invisibility, like I wasn’t being visible and wasn’t being myself. Originally from Dallas, Cameron is a gay man that has used his platform to promote authenticity and acceptance.

In 2018, he publicly came out as gay through his influential music video “Dancing in the Living Room,” a release that showcased his journey to living an honest life.

Cameron’s music strikes a chord with listeners across genres with a boot-stomping sound that captures both heartache and hope.

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A critical figure leading this change is T.J. Osborne of the Brothers Osborne. After a period of obscurity, the album was reissued in 2014, leading to a resurgence in Haggerty’s musical career.

Haggerty’s motivation stemmed from his experiences as a gay man facing discrimination, leading him to use music as a form of activism.

Started	Top Hits	Debut Album
1972	Cryin’ These Cocksucking Tears, Back in the Closet Again	Lavender Country (1973)

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It led her to navigate complex issues such as mental health and feeling out of place.

Luckily for us, those all went into her music. The music video to the heartwarming ode for dancing at home with a loved one features Hawthorn on a black-and-white TV as various couples, including straight and interracial lesbian ones, dance to the song.

As the video wrapped up, Hawthorn left the studio where he played and returned home to his lover – a boyfriend waiting for him in their living room.

He released his debut solo album, which addresses themes of queer identity and challenges stereotypes in bluegrass and Appalachian music.

Hiltner’s work aims to bring visibility to queer voices in bluegrass, mixing traditional aesthetics with progressive storytelling.

He is also known for his contributions to music journalism and advocacy within the genre.

Started	Top Hits	Debut Album
2018	1992, Benson Street	1992 (2022)

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Waylon Payne

We’re diving into the journey of Waylon Payne, a prominent figure in the country music scene who recently resurfaced after a 15-year hiatus. Others highlighted Brian Falduto for his fun energy and Papa Was a Rodeo by The Magnetic Fields for its emotional storytelling.

Overall, the community suggested a strong mix of queer artists and supportive songs worth checking out.

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Patrick Haggerty

Patrick Haggerty is a true pioneer in the world of gay country music.

With heartfelt lyrics and a soulful voice, he has captivated audiences since the late 1990s. “I just felt like, ‘Oh, girl! Allison Russell

Allison Russell is a Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with groups like Po’ Girl and Birds of Chicago before launching her solo career.

Russell’s music often explores themes of resilience and healing, drawing from her personal experiences.

She uses her platform to advocate for marginalized communities and bring awareness to social issues.

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Well, you’re not alone! This groundbreaking record gained recognition for its nonconformist approach and became important to LGBTQ visibility in music.

Haggerty’s refusal to conform to stereotypes left a lasting legacy, and his music inspires and resonates with audiences today.

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Brandi Carlile

In her memoir called Broken Horses, the lauded singer-songwriter details just how complicated her early life was as she tried resolving her sexuality and upbringing as a Baptist. 

Brandi Carlile spent most of her childhood being told that “to be gay was a one-way ticket to hell.” She even had never met another gay person – until she watched Ellen DeGeneres’ historic 1997 “I’m gay” episode, which she recorded on a VHS tape so she could watch it repeatedly.

Despite these challenges, he continues to evolve as an artist and released his first love song to show his growth.

5. He knew blending in would be much easier than risks being different.

“The honest truth is, I planned to die with the secret,” Lil Nas X said.

However, things changed at the height of his career when he came out as gay during the last day of Pride Month in 2019 through a series of tweets and his song called “c7osure.” He admits that his fame has made it easier for him to come out.

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Her songwriting often explores themes of love, loss, and identity, connecting with audiences.

As an openly lesbian artist, she has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the music industry.

Started	Top Hits	Debut Album
2005	The Story, That Wasn’t Me	Brandi Carlile (2005)

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lang quickly became the face of a movement at the time. 

Did you know that k.d. Billy Gilman

Billy Gilman, born on May 24, 1988, in Westerly, Rhode Island, gained fame as a child prodigy with his debut single One Voice at the age of 11.

He publicly came out as gay in 2014 and later competed on The Voice, finishing as runner-up in 2016.

Moreover, his powerful vocals and emotive performances drove Gilman’s early success.

Started	Top Hits	Debut Album
2000	One Voice, Oklahoma	One Voice (2000)

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“Nothing in my life has been more magical than the moment I decided to come out,” Wright said.

7. Cameron Hawthorn

Cameron Hawthorn is a singer-songwriter from Kansas, known for blending country with pop and Americana influences.

He gained prominence with his single Dancing in the Living Room, which received acclaim for its pro-LGBTQ+ music video.