Queer Country: Exploring LGBTQ+ Perspectives in Country Music
Country music has seen a rise in LGBTQ+ artists who infuse their perspective into their songs, spanning from alt-country to mainstream country. The presence of queer country artists dates back to the late 1930s, with the Sweet Violet Boys releasing "I Love My Fruit." Wilma Burgess, a 1960s country artist, is believed to be the genre's first openly gay star, charting hits on the Billboard charts. Lavender Country, led by Patrick Haggerty, is a pioneer in LGBTQ+ country music, with their track "Come Out Singing" released in 1973. Willie Nelson's "Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other" and a duet remake with Orville Peck in 2024 also explore gender and sexuality fluidity.
The LGBTQ+ perspective in country music is becoming less stigmatized, with openly gay or queer mainstream stars like Chely Wright, Brothers Osborne's T.J. Osborne, Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, and Ty Herndon leading the way. A new generation of artists, including Lily Rose, Adam Mac, Lil Nas X, and Brooke Eden, are expanding the footprint of queer country music, offering diverse perspectives and experiences to connect with LGBTQ+ audiences. Explore the list below for songs that reflect an LGBTQ+ perspective, written and performed by artists sharing their real-life experiences.