Country music artist and staunch LGBTQ+ ally, Tyler Childers, has released a poignant new music video for his single “In Your Love.” Directed by Bryan Schlam, the video prominently features gay actors Colton Haynes and James Scully, while the story was skillfully crafted by out author Silas House. The video beautifully unfolds a love story set in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky during the 1950s, depicting the lives of two miners who courageously build a life together in a society that was far from accepting.
The heartwarming narrative begins with stolen glances between the two miners, Matthew and Jasper, portrayed by Scully and Haynes, respectively, before they eventually act upon their feelings. However, societal prejudices soon lead to an unfortunate turn of events, resulting in an attack on Matthew and Jasper’s defense of him. Despite the challenges they face, the video tenderly captures the couple’s life together, filled with moments of friendship and shared dinners. Yet, their happiness is tragically marred by the onset of black lung disease, and the video movingly concludes with Matthew passing away in Jasper’s arms on their porch.
The significance of this video goes beyond its artistic portrayal of love and loss. For many LGBTQ+ individuals who cherish country music, this visual representation is groundbreaking. Colton Haynes, one of the lead actors, expressed his deep attachment to the project, acknowledging the importance of visibility for LGBTQ+ youth who love country music.
The authenticity of the video was paramount to both Tyler Childers and Silas House. They went to great lengths to ensure that the portrayal of rural life in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1950s was accurate and avoided perpetuating stereotypes. Silas House, in particular, emphasized the need to depict the diversity of rural communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals who have long been part of the region’s fabric.
Tyler Childers, speaking with NPR, shared the personal inspiration behind the video. His gay cousin, who played a significant role in his life, had left rural Kentucky for a more accepting environment. Childers wanted to create a music video that would resonate with his cousin and others who shared similar experiences.
The choice of Colton Haynes and James Scully as the lead characters was a deliberate decision to portray a love story that transcends societal norms. House, the video’s writer, revealed that the characters’ looks were based on a photograph of his uncle and grandfather, coal miners who, in their leisure time, resembled Elvis and James Dean on the dance floor. Haynes, being a well-known gay icon and a public figure, added an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
For Tyler Childers, being an ally in the country music space meant using his platform to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance. This music video is a testament to his commitment to fostering real conversations about love, loss, and the human experience. By sharing this powerful love story, Childers hopes to contribute to a more understanding and compassionate world.
“In Your Love” is the first single off Tyler Childers’s upcoming album, “Rustin’ in the Rain,” set to release on September 8. The music video is not only a celebration of his musical talent but also a significant milestone in advancing LGBTQ+ representation within the genre and beyond.