In a surprising turn of events, openly gay country singer Adam Mac, slated as a headliner for the Logan County Tobacco and Heritage Festival in his hometown of Russellville, Kentucky, found himself at the center of a storm of controversy. Just weeks before the festival’s scheduled date, Mac was informed by some festival board members that concerns had arisen about him potentially “promoting homosexuality” during his performance.
The situation took an unsettling twist as preachers and church groups began planning protests aimed at disrupting Mac’s festival appearance. Mac, expressing his dismay, shared, “Obviously, I wasn’t going to put people in a situation to have any harm. It was really shocking and hurtful. In the moment, I felt so embarrassed.”
Responding to the escalating situation, Mac ultimately decided to withdraw from the festival. He took to social media to explain the circumstances, and his video swiftly went viral, drawing an outpouring of love and support. Notable figures like Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini joined in solidarity.
“To have this wave of support from people I couldn’t fathom [like] Maren Morris, the queen of the queers in country, has been overwhelming,” Mac said, reflecting on the heartening response. “They caused them hell yesterday at the Town Square!”
Despite the backlash from some quarters of his hometown, Mac has expressed deep gratitude for the tremendous support he’s received. His song “That Ain’t Country” from his latest album, “Disco Cowboy,” even pays homage to his roots in Russellville.
“For me, that is the biggest win,” Mac emphasized, highlighting the positive impact his story could have on other LGBTQ+ individuals in rural areas. “There are queer kids in Russellville, Kentucky, who can now know, based on my post alone, that there are a thousand people who will love and support them.”
In a world where country music and LGBTQ+ identities sometimes seem at odds, Adam Mac’s experience serves as a testament to the resilience of love and acceptance in the face of adversity.