Gay country singer

Orville Peck

Orville Peck is a rising star in the country music scene, and his unique blend of LGBTQ+ representation and traditional country sounds has gained him a significant queer fanbase.

But it’s not just his music that sets him apart. Named after family friend and country legend Waylon Jennings, Payne’s artistic roots run deep.

His musical legacy stems from his mother, country singer Sammi Smith, and father, Jody Payne, who relentlessly strummed the guitar for Willie Nelson.

The road to fame wasn’t smooth sailing for him or without its share of personal trials and tribulations.

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Cameron Hawthorn

Cameron Hawthorn is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter making waves in the country music scene. Her songwriting serves as a means to process personal experiences and advocate for inclusivity and understanding.

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Patrick Haggerty (Lavender Country)

Patrick Haggerty was the frontman of Lavender Country, the first openly gay country music band, formed in 1972.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 1973, was groundbreaking, addressing LGBTQ+ themes head-on. Joy Oladokun

Joy Oladokun, born on April 6, 1992, in Arizona, is a Nigerian-American singer-songwriter known for her blend of folk, R&B, rock, and pop.

Her music often reflects her identity as a queer woman of color, addressing themes of love, identity, and social justice.

Inspired by a video of Tracy Chapman, Oladokun began playing the guitar at the age of 10.

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.

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Shane McAnally

Shane McAnally, born on October 12, 1974, in Mineral Wells, Texas, is a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer.

He began his career as a singer in 1999 but found his true calling in songwriting, penning hits for artists like Kacey Musgraves and Sam Hunt.

McAnally’s early exposure to music and performance led him to Nashville, where he honed his songwriting skills.

Moreover, his openness about his sexuality has paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in country music.

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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. Justin Hiltner

Justin Hiltner is a Nashville-based banjo player, songwriter, and music writer. Her debut album, 12 Stories (2013), received critical acclaim for its honest and witty narratives.

Clark’s love for country music began early, and she has written songs for numerous artists before launching her solo career.

As an openly gay woman, she brings unique perspectives to her music, often highlighting underrepresented voices.

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Their work has been praised for its authenticity and boundary-pushing narratives within the country genre.

Started	Top Hits	Debut Album
2016	Going to Hell, Middle of a Heart	Cast-Iron Pansexual (2021)

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Ty Herndon

Ty Herndon is a country music singer who made headlines in 2014 when he bravely came out as gay, becoming the first mainstream male country artist to do so.

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. Hawthorn’s motivation for pursuing music stems from his upbringing in the Midwest and a desire to tell authentic stories through song.

His work often explores themes of love and identity, aiming to bring inclusivity to the country music genre.

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Amythyst Kiah

Amythyst Kiah, born in 1990 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is an American singer-songwriter whose music combines elements of folk, blues, and Americana.

She gained recognition as a member of Our Native Daughters and through her solo work.

Her studies influenced Kiah’s musical career in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music at East Tennessee State University.

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Paisley Fields

Paisley Fields, the stage name of James Wilson, is a Brooklyn-based country artist known for mixing traditional country sounds with queer narratives.

Starting as a church pianist in the Midwest, Fields formed the Paisley Fields band in 2013.

Their music often explores the duality of masculine and feminine identities, as seen in albums like Glitter & Sawdust and Limp Wrist.

They aim to make country music more inclusive, drawing inspiration from queer icons and drag artists.

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Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill in Georgia, gained fame with his genre-blending hit Old Town Road in 2019, which became the longest-running number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100.

Initially using music as an escape, Lil Nas X’s work often reflects his experiences as a Black gay man navigating fame and identity.

His openness about his sexuality has been groundbreaking in the hip-hop and country music scenes.

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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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Lily Rose

Lily Rose, born on September 12, 1993, in Dunwoody, Georgia, is a rising country artist known for contemporary country with pop and R&B influences.

Rose’s passion for music begins after attending a Bruce Springsteen concert, inspiring her to learn to play the drums and guitar.

Her songwriting often reflects personal experiences, aiming to break barriers in the country music scene.

Started	Top Hits	Debut Album
2020	Villain	Stronger Than I Am (2021)

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His revelation about being gay in February 2021 marked him as the first openly gay country singer, creating an important industry dialogue.

T.J.’s bravery did not stop at his announcement; it opened up opportunities for greater representation and sparked conversations among his fans and fellow country artists.

Breaking barriers doesn’t come easy, especially challenging stereotypes in a traditional genre like country music.