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30 LGBTQ+ Country Singers You Need To Be Listening To   

Love and music know no boundaries. Country music has long been associated with heartfelt storytelling, capturing the essence of life’s joys, struggles, and everything in between. While the genre is known for its traditional values and conservative nature, there is an inspiring and diverse wave of LGBTQ+ country singers who are challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers in the industry.  

From Grammy-winning superstars to emerging talented artists, these singers are pushing limits in an industry that has not always been the most inclusive or accepting. The beauty is that through their powerful lyrics, captivating melodies, and catchy tunes, these country singers are stirring the scene proving that country music is for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. 

The following singers are trailblazers who continue to challenge the norms and open doors for future generations of LGBTQ+ musicians in the genre of country music. Here are the 30 LGBTQ+ country music singers you need to be listening to.

1. Patrick Haggerty

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When one thinks about the LGBTQ+ community and country music, the first person that comes to mind is Patrick Haggerty (1944 – 2022). He was the lead singer and guitarist for the Lavender Country band. Patrick got into the country music industry in the 70s. What makes him so special is that at the time he had been discharged from the peace corps for being gay and could have decided to sing country while in the closet.  

He had the option to choose the easy way by not coming out especially because in the 70s, the country and country music was still very conservative, but this bold star decided not to go the friendly and easy way but used his music to pave the way for the LGBTQ+ community in the deeply discriminatory country music world.  

The band released the Lavender Country album in 1973 and reissued it in 2014. The album is the first openly gay country music album.

2. Lil Nas X   

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Born at the end of the 20th century, Montero Lamar Hill, better known by his stage name Lil Nas X, is an American singer who rose to fame in 2019 with the song ‘Old Town Road’ which he later remixed in collaboration with Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus.  

Lil Nas X, who is also a rapper, came out as belonging to the LGBTQ+ community and has been vocal about his same-sex attraction. He has done songs along that theme and is quite outspoken even on social media. 

Check out these 45 best LGBTQ singers of all time.

3. Brandi Carlile 

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Born in the early 80s, Brandie Marie Carlile is an American alternative country, Americana, and classic rock singer who identifies as a lesbian but her musical appeal extends far beyond the LGBTQ+ community. Her music resonates with listeners from all backgrounds. 

One of Carlile’s albums is ‘By the Way, I Forgive You,’ which features the widely popular song “The Joke,” which carries a message of empowerment and inclusivity. She is a role model and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and her music mostly touches on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. 

4. Drake Jensen   

Drake Jensen is a Canadian country music singer who is known for his rich baritone voice and his blend of traditional country with contemporary sounds. He mostly sings about love, self-acceptance, and resilience. His heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals have resonated with listeners for years and years. 

Drake is openly gay and has used his music to share his personal experiences and advocate for acceptance and equality. He is a respected figure within the industry and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to support various charitable organizations. It is important to embrace one’s true self. 

5. Billy Gilman   

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Billy Gilman is a country music singer who became famous when he was young. He is talented and has a powerful voice. Billy is gay and his impact on the LGBTQ+ community comes from his authenticity, resilience, and his ability to inspire others through his music and personal experiences.  

Following his success at a young age plus his continued dedication to his craft, this singer has become an influential figure in the music industry. 

6. Chely Wright 

Chely Wright is an American country singer whose music is characterized by heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals, and relatable storytelling. She is a lesbian and was among the first to come out in the genre. Her coming out as an openly lesbian artist has helped pave the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation within the genre. 

Chely is involved in LGBTQ community activities and advocacy work. She founded the LIKEME Organization, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, and has been an advocate for acceptance, visibility, and equality within the country music genre. She is married to Lauren Blitzer who works at Sony Music Entertainment, and they have two sons. 

7. Ty Herndon   

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Ty Herndon is an American country music singer who is openly gay. He has released 10 albums so far and his music is mostly about his journey and experiences. He sings about self-acceptance and embracing one’s identity, societal expectations notwithstanding. ‘What Mattered Most’ is one of his gay love songs.

Though Ty struggles with addiction and mental health, his openness about his sexuality has also made him an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance within the country music industry. He has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors and co-founded a charitable organization that promotes tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. He organizes benefit concerts and events that support LGBTQ+ causes. 

8. Orville Peck 

Born in 1985 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Daniel Pitout is a South African country music singer who is based in Canada and performs under the alias Orville Peck. He comes from a musical family and has never revealed his face in public. He always wears a fringed mask as part of the persona he created for his singing career. He has a baritone voice and is known for his mysterious and theatrical performances. 

Peck is gay and is open about it in his music which explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the struggles of being a gay man. He has helped the LGBTQ community to be seen and heard in country music, advocating for inclusivity and acceptance. He is a queer icon in the music industry. 

9. K.D. Lang  

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Kathryn Dawn (K.D) Lang is a Canadian award-winning Country music singer who is known for her distinctive and powerful voice. Her musical talent has earned her numerous awards and honors, and her unwavering commitment to using her platform for social change has solidified her as one of the most respected and influential people in the music industry.  

Throughout her career, Lang has been open about her lesbian identity and has become an important LGBTQ+ icon. Her visibility and advocacy work has made a significant impact and she uses her platform not only to support LGBTQ+ rights but also for animal rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.  

10. T.J. Osborne 

T.J. Osborne is a singer and one-half of the country music duo Brothers Osborne with his brother John Osborne. T.J. is the lead vocalist and came out as gay a few years ago. His decision to publicly share his identity was met with widespread support and helped pave the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in the country music genre. 

The duo sang a song about T.J.’s attempts to come out of the closet earlier in life. His authenticity and openness have made him a positive role model for LGBTQ+ individuals within the genre. 

11. Brandy Clark  

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Brandy Lynn Clark is an American country music singer and songwriter who began playing the guitar and singing in school musicals before she was 10 years old. She is a lesbian and has been open about her experiences as a queer woman in the country music industry.  

Her visibility as an LGBTQ+ artist and her willingness to share her truth has contributed to greater representation and acceptance within the genre. She is a great songwriter having written for many artists over the years and mostly collaborates with Shane McAnally in a lot of projects. 

12. Shane McAnally 

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Shane McAnally is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer whose talent and contributions to country music and the success of other artists have earned him critical acclaim, multiple Grammy Awards, and a respected reputation in the music industry. 

McAnally is gay and is married to Michael Baum with whom he has two children. McAnally has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been open about his own journey as a gay artist in the country music industry. He has used his platform to discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and to promote inclusivity within the genre. 

13. Betsy Smittle  

Betsy Smittle (1958 – 1918) was an American singer and bass guitar player whose songs were rooted in country music with rock influences here and there. She was the half-sister to country music star Garth Brooks.  

Betsy was a lesbian and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her presence in the music industry as an openly gay musician served as an inspiration for others. She passed away in 2018, after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a musical legacy and a contribution to the LGBTQ+ community. 

14. Justin Utley 

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Born in the early 70s Justin Utley is an American country and folk singer known for his powerful vocals and honest songwriting. In the early 2000s, he ex-communicated himself from the church when he was not accepted for who he was. Justin came out as gay and has been a committed advocate for the LGBTQ community plus an influential figure in the LGBTQ music scene.  

This singer’s music serves as a reminder of the power of music to create understanding, empathy, and positive change. Justin has collaborated with other LGBTQ artists and organizations over the years to promote equality and raise awareness about LGBTQ issues.  

He has performed at numerous Pride events and LGBTQ festivals, using his platform to inspire and uplift the community. 

15. Steve Grand  

2017’s third most eligible Gay Bachelor as ranked by Attitude Magazine was Steve Grand. This country music singer is open about his sexuality and continues to make music that reflects his personal experiences. He sings about love, identity, and acceptance. 

Steve is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. His openness about his own journey and experiences has made him a positive role model for many within the LGBTQ+ community. 

16. Mary Gauthier   

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With over 10 albums, Mary Gauthier is an American country music singer who was born in the 1960s and has been open about her LGBTQ identity and has incorporated LGBTQ themes in her music. Her music is deeply personal and often explores themes of identity, love, addiction, and resilience.     

One of her songs, ‘Drag Queens in Limousines’, is an anthem that celebrates the strength of the LGBTQ community.  

17. Trixie Mattel 

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Brian Michael Firkus, better known by the stage name Trixie Mattel, is an American drag queen, television personality, and musician who sings country music and other genres. Her music and persona have resonated with fans, especially within the LGBTQ community. She is an influential figure in the drag and LGBTQ music scene, using her platform to promote self-expression, inclusivity, and empowerment. 

18. Maia Sharp 

Maia Sharp is an American country music singer who came out as a lesbian in her early 20s and has been in the spotlight as an LGBTQ artist. She openly discusses her sexuality and has incorporated LGBTQ themes in her music. Maia has a soulful voice and exceptional songwriting skills.  Her music is awesome, and she always crafts entertaining and compelling songs.  

See the most talented female country singers of all time here.

19. Sid Spencer 

Sid Spencer (1967 – 1996) was an openly out and proud gay Country musician who died of AIDS. He was one of the most popular singers in the LGBTQ community in the 90s, and was very talented, always singing about his sexuality. 

Sid was good-looking and confident.; He won the Mr. Razzle Dazzle Dallas title and Mr. Gay Southwest in the early 90s. Sid came third for Mr. Gay Texas and Mr. All-American and other pageants.  

20. Shelly Fairchild 

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Shelly Fairchild is an American country music singer who grew up with a love for music. She sings songs that blend elements of country, blues, and rock. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with fans for years and years.  

Shelly is a lesbian and is married to Deborah DeLoach. She is a vocal advocate of LGBTQ rights and uses her platform to promote equality and raise awareness about LGBTQ issues. 

21. Sami Grisafe 

Sami Grisafe is an American musician and former professional football player who is a lesbian. Her parents were country music singers and they greatly influenced Sami’s music because it has elements of country music, pop, rock, and soul genres. 

Sami is multi-talented in sports, acting, and music. She sings about her personal experiences, including her journey as an LGBTQ individual. Her lyrics touch on themes of love, identity, and empowerment. She is an influential figure within the LGBTQ community. 

22. Cameron Hawthorn 

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Cameron Hawthorn is an LGBTQ country music singer who is known for his heartfelt plus relatable music and authentic storytelling. With Johnny Cash as his greatest influence, Cameron’s music is awesome, singing mostly about love, relationships, identity, and self-acceptance. 

‘Dancing in the Living Room’ is one of his popular songs whose video marked his coming out and starting a new chapter. The song tells a tender love story and captures the intimate moments shared between two people in the privacy of their home.    

He has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights and inclusivity plus is open about his experiences as a gay artist and the importance of representation in the music industry. 

23. Julianne Hough 

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Julianne Hough is an American country music singer and dancer who is known for her role as a judge on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. She is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and identifies as ‘not straight’. She has released two albums and several singles over the years. That Song In My Head is one of her singles.

24. Cidny Bullens 

Born as Cindy Bullens in 1950, this singer publicly revealed that he was a transgender man and changed his name to Cidny Bullens in 2012. He mostly sings rock and Americana with influences from country and bluegrass. 

Bullens’ music often delves into personal experiences, relationships, and self-discovery, offering introspective and emotional lyrics. He proves that self-expression and visibility are important for LGBTQ individuals in the music industry. 

25. Mark Weigle 

Mark Weigle is an openly gay American singer whose music is a combination of twangy country and introspective folk-pop creating a unique and melodic sound. His lyrics are introspective and poetic, exploring personal experiences and emotions.  

Many of his songs touch on LGBTQ themes, offering a voice for queer individuals and highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the community. His lyrics reflect his own journey as a gay man and his commitment to advocating for LGBTQ rights and equality. 

26. Brandon Stansell 

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Brandon Stansell is an openly gay country music singer known for his country and pop-infused music. He has made a name for himself in the music industry by fearlessly sharing his personal journey and struggles with his Southern Baptist family after his coming out. 

Brandon’s music has LGBTQ themes and he has gone further and collaborated with other LGBTQ artists, such as Ty Herndon, in support of the LGBTQ community. 

27. Jen Foster  

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Jen Foster is an openly lesbian Country music singer who is known for her heartfelt music and powerful vocals. She writes honest lyrics that offer a glimpse into her journey as a lesbian artist. Her authentic storytelling and her ability to connect with her audience through her songs is what makes her so popular. 

Jen uses her powerful voice to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ community, showcasing the strength and resilience of queer individuals through her songs. 

28. Brooke Eden 

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Brooke Eden is a lesbian country music singer who is known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. She has made a name for herself in the country music industry with her engaging performances and heartfelt storytelling. 

Singing a blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds, her music is about love, heartbreak, and relationships. Brooke is an advocate for LGBTQ rights and visibility in the country music industry. Trisha Yearwood officiated Brooke’s wedding to her partner Hilary Hoover in 2022. 

29. Waylon Payne 

Waylon Payne is an American gay country music singer and actor who is known for his soulful voice and rich storytelling ability. Born into a musical family by country musicians Jody Payne and Sammi Smith, Waylon has deep roots in the country music genre and is the godson of Waylon Jennings, the legendary country singer, whom he is named after. 

Payne’s personal life has also been marked by struggles and triumphs. As an LGBTQ artist, he has been open about his battles with addiction, his journey to sobriety, and the rejection from his family for being gay. These issues have influenced his music and added layers of authenticity to his storytelling. 

30. Katie Pruitt

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Katie Pruitt is an American LGBTQ country music singer who is known for her powerful vocals, emotive delivery, and the raw honesty with which she shares her stories. Katie’s music brings out her issues of dealing with unhealthy relationships, mental health, and doubting her religious beliefs, plus coming out as a lesbian in a religious household.  

As an LGBTQ artist, Pruitt uses her platform to advocate for queer visibility and inclusivity. She has been open about her own experiences as a queer woman and has expressed the importance of representation and acceptance in the music industry. 

31. Cody Alan 

As a bonus, Cody Alan is a country music DJ and celebrity, known for his work on radio, TV, and digital plus social media space as a country music host of “CMT Hot 20 Countdown” and “CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan,” both of which are popular country music television and radio programs you should be watching and listening to. 

Alan’s openness about his sexuality and his presence as an LGBTQ figure in country music have made him an important advocate for diversity and inclusion within the industry. His contributions have helped pave the way for more conversations and representation of LGBTQ individuals in country music.  

He is loved by the Nashville stars that he covers and by millions of country music fans thanks to his dynamic, curious, and engaging personality that keeps fans connected. 

Those are the 30 LGBTQ+ country music singers you need to be listening to. They are fearlessly expressing their authentic selves through the power of music, thus changing the narrative and proving that love, resilience, and diverse experiences are at the core of what makes country music so powerful. 

Let us celebrate and support these artists, as our way of contributing to the growth and evolution of country music plus collectively sending a message of acceptance and inclusivity throughout the world. 

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