Gay country singers male

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Michelle Brooke

Michelle Brooke is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who blends her Detroit soul roots with Southern country influences.

Brooke’s musical life was driven by a desire to express real stories, often drawing from personal experiences.

Her work aims to connect with listeners on an emotional level, advocating for inclusivity and representation in country music.

StartedTop HitsDebut Album
2016Storm, Let the Light InLet the Light In (2016)

25.

Osborne is one-half of the country duo Brothers Osborne, known for their mix of country and rock. Waylon Payne

We’re diving into the journey of Waylon Payne, a prominent figure in the country music scene who recently resurfaced after a 15-year hiatus. Karen & the Sorrows

Karen & the Sorrows is a Brooklyn-based queer country band led by singer-songwriter Karen Pittelman.

Since their formation in 2011, they have released several albums, including The Names of Things (2014), Guaranteed Broken Heart (2018), and Why Do We Want What We Want (2023).

The band’s music often goes into themes of heartbreak and identity, aiming to create a more inclusive space within the country music scene.

Pittelman has been instrumental in building a queer country community through initiatives like the Gay Ole Opry and Queer Country Quarterly.

StartedTop HitsDebut Album
2011Why Won’t You Come Back to Me, Take Me for a RideThe Names of Things (2014)

35.

Shelly Fairchild

Shelly Fairchild, born August 23, 1977, in Clinton, Mississippi, is an American country singer known for her powerful vocals and dynamic performances.

Fairchild’s motivation for pursuing music began in her childhood, when she performed in church and school choirs.

Her work often reflects her Southern roots and personal experiences, aiming to connect with audiences through heartfelt storytelling.

StartedTop HitsDebut Album
2005You Don’t Lie Here Anymore, Kiss MeRide (2005)

31.

Drake Jensen

Drake Jensen, a name that has carved its path through the heart of country music, stands as a testament to authenticity and courage. Justin Hiltner

Justin Hiltner is a Nashville-based banjo player, songwriter, and music writer. His music combines traditional American folk with punk and country influences.

Carlisle’s albums, including Peculiar, Missouri and Critterland, involved into themes of queer life, rural America, and human suffering.

Moreover, his passion for music is rooted in his belief that singing is a form of healing.

StartedTop HitsDebut Album
2015Life on the Fence, CritterlandPeculiar, Missouri (2018)

26.

Cody Belew

In the tapestry of country music, Cody Belew’s voice emerges as a vibrant thread, weaving a story of authenticity, diversity, and unwavering talent. Orville Peck

Orville Peck, born Daniel Pitout on January 6, 1988, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is known for his masked persona and rich baritone voice.

Peck’s music blends traditional country with alternative influences, often with themes of love and identity.

His mysterious presence and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have made him a unique figure in the genre.

StartedTop HitsDebut Album
2019Dead of Night, Turn to HatePony (2019)

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His open discussions about his identity and experiences resonate, creating a space for understanding and acceptance.

By unapologetically embracing his true self and fostering conversations, Steve Grand has become an emblem of change, demonstrating the power of authenticity in the industry and beyond.

11.

Jaime Wyatt

Jaime Wyatt, born on September 29, 1985, in Santa Monica, California, is an American Americana and outlaw country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

She has released three studio albums: Felony Blues (2017), Neon Cross (2020), and Feel Good (2023).

Wyatt’s music often reflects her personal struggles, including addiction and time spent in prison.

He was an openly gay artist who challenged traditional country music norms and paved the way for LGBTQ representation in the industry.

In 1973, Haggerty released Lavender Country, which is believed to be the first known gay-themed album in country music history.

gay country singers male

I mean, people at my label know and people in my personal life know, but this is the first time that I’ve ever been, besides a show or two, that I’ve ever been this public about it.

And it is scary, but it feels good.”

TJ Osborne

In case you missed the news from 2021, the Brothers Osborne frontman came out as gay, saying his family and close friends have known for quite some time, but he wants to be his full self at this point in his career.

The country music community has rallied around TJ, as I’m sure you’ve seen on Twitter and beyond.

JAM.

Brooke Eden

Brandi Carlile

Brandy Clark

Ty Herndon

Billy Gilman

Chely Wright

Cody Alan

(CMT Host)

Shane McAnally

(hit songwriter)

Orville Peck

35 Rising LGBTQ+/ Gay Country Singers Making Waves Today

Have you ever wondered who’s changing the sound of country and folk music today?

It’s not just about cowboy hats and small-town stories anymore—something bigger is happening.

LGBTQ+ artists are stepping up with songs that speak from the heart and show us what it really means to be true to yourself.

This list highlights LGBTQ+ artists creating music that matters.

Chely Wright

Chely Wright, born Richell Rene Wright on October 25, 1970, in Kansas City, Missouri, is a country music artist and LGBTQ+ activist.

She rose to fame with hits like Single White Female and made history in 2010 by becoming the first major country artist to come out as gay.

Laster, her family’s musical background supported Wright’s early aspirations in music and her decision to come out was driven by a desire to live authentically and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the country music industry.

StartedTop HitsDebut Album
1994Single White Female, Shut Up and DriveWoman in the Moon (1994)

19.

Billy Gilman

Billy Gilman, born on May 24, 1988, in Westerly, Rhode Island, gained fame as a child prodigy with his debut single One Voice at the age of 11.

He publicly came out as gay in 2014 and later competed on The Voice, finishing as runner-up in 2016.

Moreover, his powerful vocals and emotive performances drove Gilman’s early success.

StartedTop HitsDebut Album
2000One Voice, OklahomaOne Voice (2000)

15.

Sam Williams

Sam Williams is a rising star in country music, and his talent is undeniable. lang, especially her Absolute Torch and Twang album. As one of the few openly gay men in mainstream country, he has faced his fair share of challenges but has managed to make a name for himself over the past 15 years.

McAnally’s career took off as a solo artist for Curb Records when LeeAnn Womack recorded his song “Last Call” in 2008.

Since then, he has charted on the country music charts and won three Grammy Awards for his work, including co-producing Kacey Musgraves’ acclaimed debut album.

Top Gay Male Country Singers, Final Thoughts

The best gay male country singers highlighted in this article are breaking barriers and paving the way for LGBTQ+ representation in the genre.

Despite these challenges, he continues to evolve as an artist and released his first love song to show his growth.

5. He released his debut solo album, which addresses themes of queer identity and challenges stereotypes in bluegrass and Appalachian music.

Hiltner’s work aims to bring visibility to queer voices in bluegrass, mixing traditional aesthetics with progressive storytelling.

He is also known for his contributions to music journalism and advocacy within the genre.

StartedTop HitsDebut Album
20181992, Benson Street1992 (2022)

34.

Weigle’s artistry extends beyond melodies as he fearlessly embraces his identity, weaving his experiences into his songs.

By sharing his personal journey, he encourages a sense of unity and understanding, creating a space where diverse stories thrive. His impact is not solely confined to music; Weigle’s advocacy and honesty ripple beyond the stage, fostering an environment of acceptance and change.

Through his melodies and candidness, he amplifies the chorus of voices echoing for a more inclusive world.

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