The world of country music, often associated with traditional values and heteronormative themes, has a remarkable history of queer representation that has largely gone unnoticed. While today we celebrate artists like Orville Peck and Lil Nas X for their queer cowboy aesthetics, it’s essential to recognize the pioneers who paved the way, long before it was considered marketable.
The Early Twists and Turns
Country music’s roots trace back to the 17th century, but its transformative moment occurred in the 1920s during the Bristol Sessions. These sessions introduced the world to iconic country figures like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family. Simultaneously, artist Ewen Hail recorded “Lavender Cowboy” in New York, a song that subtly portrayed queerness, echoing the existence of LGBTQ+ themes in country music’s early days.
As the genre evolved, so did the representation of queerness. Songs like “I Love My Fruit” celebrated homoeroticism, but others, like Billy Briggs’ “The Sissy Song,” depicted queerness negatively. Wilma Burgess emerged in the 1960s, subtly challenging gender norms with songs that avoided gendered pronouns, making her one of the most successful gay country artists of her time.
The Rise of Lavender Country
Patrick Haggerty, a true trailblazer, released “Lavender Country” in 1973, marking the first openly gay country album. His scathing and humorous songs, like “Cryin’ These C**ksucking Tears,” left a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Despite limited distribution, “Lavender Country” gained attention within the gay underground, showcasing Haggerty’s legacy as both an artist and activist.
A Shifting Landscape
The 1990s saw a boom in country music’s popularity, yet LGBTQ+ country artists remained relatively hidden. Teresa McLaughlin and her “Outband” of gay and lesbian musicians traveled the country, while the Lesbian and Gay Country Music Association (LGCMA) was founded in 1998. These developments brought LGBTQ+ voices to the forefront, even though mainstream recognition remained elusive.
Challenges and Progress
The 2000s marked a period of reluctance within the commercial country music scene to embrace LGBTQ+ performers. However, Chely Wright, Ty Herndon, and Kacey Musgraves later came out, challenging the status quo. Notably, Steve Grand’s viral hit “All-American Boy” and the rise of supergroups like Our Native Daughters and the Highwomen further spotlighted queer narratives.
Honoring the Legacy
In 2014, Patrick Haggerty’s “Lavender Country” received a reissue, solidifying its status as a cult classic. Haggerty’s influence extended to the next generation of queer country artists, leaving an enduring mark on the genre. As we remember these pioneers, Haggerty’s legacy serves as a reminder that country’s queer artists are indeed “old rebels in lavender cowboy hats.”
This exploration of country music’s LGBTQ+ roots sheds light on the long journey of queer representation within the genre, reminding us of the strength and resilience of those who dared to challenge its norms.
