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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. They are not only changing the songs we listen to, but also the way we see each other.
And guess what? Their voices are being heard loud and clear.
Check Out People’s Recommendations for Gay Country Singers!
People on Reddit’s r/country thread shared great LGBTQ+ country music recommendations. Lavender Country was widely praised as a pioneer, while Orville Peck, Brandy Clark, and Sarah Shook stood out for their unique styles.
Users also mentioned Brandi Carlile, Wilma Burgess, Willi Carlisle, and k.d. lang, especially her Absolute Torch and Twang album. Others highlighted Brian Falduto for his fun energy and Papa Was a Rodeo by The Magnetic Fields for its emotional storytelling.
Overall, the community suggested a strong mix of queer artists and supportive songs worth checking out.
For more details, click here.
1. Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile, born in Ravensdale, Washington, is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter whose music spans folk rock, Americana, and alternative country.
She began her career with a self-titled debut album in 2005, which gathered widespread reviews and led to her inclusion in Rolling Stone’s list of 10 Artists to Watch in 2005.
Carlile’s passion for music light up in her youth, influenced by classic country and rock artists. Her songwriting often explores themes of love, loss, and identity, connecting with audiences.
As an openly lesbian artist, she has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the music industry.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Story, That Wasn’t Me | Brandi Carlile (2005) |
2. Maren Morris
Maren Morris, hailing from Arlington, Texas, is known for mixing country with pop and rock influences.
She began writing and performing music at a young age, inspired by her father’s gift of a guitar when she was 12.
Her music often explores themes of empowerment and self-discovery, and she has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in country music.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | My Church, The Bones | Hero (2016) |
3. Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill in Georgia, gained fame with his genre-blending hit Old Town Road in 2019, which became the longest-running number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100.
Initially using music as an escape, Lil Nas X’s work often reflects his experiences as a Black gay man navigating fame and identity.
His openness about his sexuality has been groundbreaking in the hip-hop and country music scenes.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Old Town Road, Montero (Call Me by Your Name) | Montero (2021) |
4. T.J. Osborne (Brothers Osborne)
T.J. Osborne is one-half of the country duo Brothers Osborne, known for their mix of country and rock. The duo’s debut album, Pawn Shop (2016), included hits like Stay a Little Longer.
In 2021, T.J. publicly came out as gay, becoming the first openly gay artist signed to a major country label.
His decision was driven by a desire to live authentically and has been seen as a significant step toward greater inclusivity in country music.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Stay a Little Longer, It Ain’t My Fault | Pawn Shop (2016) |
5. Brandy Clark
Brandy Clark, from Morton, Washington, is celebrated for her storytelling and songwriting prowess. Her debut album, 12 Stories (2013), received critical acclaim for its honest and witty narratives.
Clark’s love for country music began early, and she has written songs for numerous artists before launching her solo career.
As an openly gay woman, she brings unique perspectives to her music, often highlighting underrepresented voices.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Stripes, Hold My Hand | 12 Stories (2013) |
6. Lily Rose
Lily Rose, born on September 12, 1993, in Dunwoody, Georgia, is a rising country artist known for contemporary country with pop and R&B influences.
Rose’s passion for music begins after attending a Bruce Springsteen concert, inspiring her to learn to play the drums and guitar.
Her songwriting often reflects personal experiences, aiming to break barriers in the country music scene.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Villain | Stronger Than I Am (2021) |
7. Shane McAnally
Shane McAnally, born on October 12, 1974, in Mineral Wells, Texas, is a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer.
He began his career as a singer in 1999 but found his true calling in songwriting, penning hits for artists like Kacey Musgraves and Sam Hunt.
McAnally’s early exposure to music and performance led him to Nashville, where he honed his songwriting skills.
Moreover, his openness about his sexuality has paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in country music.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Are Your Eyes Still Blue | Shane McAnally (1999) |
8. 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.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Dead of Night, Turn to Hate | Pony (2019) |
9. Waylon Payne
Waylon Payne, born on April 5, 1972, in Nashville, Tennessee, is the son of country singer Sammi Smith and guitarist Jody Payne.
Payne’s music reflects his loud life experiences, including struggles with addiction and identity.
And, his candid storytelling offers a raw and emotional perspective within the country genre.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | All the Trouble, Sins of the Father | The Drifter (2004) |
10. Trixie Mattel
Trixie Mattel, born Brian Michael Firkus on August 23, 1989, in Silver Cliff, Wisconsin, is a drag queen, singer-songwriter, and television personality.
She gained fame after winning RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3 and has released albums like Two Birds (2017) and Barbara (2020).
Mattel’s music combines humor with heartfelt storytelling, drawing from her experiences in drag and personal life.
Later, her work challenges traditional norms, bringing a fresh perspective to country and folk music.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Mama Don’t Make Me Put on the Dress Again, Malibu | Two Birds (2017) |
11. Brooke Eden
Brooke Eden, born on December 30, 1988, in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a singer and songwriter.
She gained attention after competing on American Idol and later signed with Red Bow Records in 2015.
Her father’s involvement influenced Eden’s passion for music in a local country band. Her path toward self-acceptance and coming out publicly has been reflected in her music, with the aim of inspiring others in the LGBTQ+ community.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | American Dreamin’, Daddy’s Money | Brooke Eden (2014) |
12. Allison Russell
Allison Russell is a Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with groups like Po’ Girl and Birds of Chicago before launching her solo career.
Russell’s music often explores themes of resilience and healing, drawing from her personal experiences.
She uses her platform to advocate for marginalized communities and bring awareness to social issues.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Nightflyer, Persephone | Outside Child (2021) |
13. Ty Herndon
Ty Herndon, born on May 2, 1962, in Meridian, Mississippi, is a country music singer who rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like What Mattered Most.
He publicly came out as gay in 2014, becoming one of the first major male country artists to do so.
Herndon’s early exposure to gospel music and piano playing influenced his musical path. And, his openness about his sexuality has paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in country music.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | What Mattered Most, Living in a Moment | What Mattered Most (1995) |
14. 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.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | One Voice, Oklahoma | One Voice (2000) |
15. Harper Grae
Harper Grae, born Shanna Henderson in Alabama, is a country singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt storytelling.
She gained recognition after appearing on The Glee Project and has since released music that shows personal experiences and social issues.
Grae’s music often addresses themes of love, loss, and identity. As an openly gay artist, she uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Still Your Mother, Wanna Wear a Dress | Break Your Crowns (2017) |
16. Joy Oladokun
Joy Oladokun, born on April 6, 1992, in Arizona, is a Nigerian-American singer-songwriter known for her blend of folk, R&B, rock, and pop.
Her music often reflects her identity as a queer woman of color, addressing themes of love, identity, and social justice.
Inspired by a video of Tracy Chapman, Oladokun began playing the guitar at the age of 10. Her songwriting serves as a means to process personal experiences and advocate for inclusivity and understanding.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Sunday, Breathe Again | Carry (2016) |
17. Amythyst Kiah
Amythyst Kiah, born in 1990 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is an American singer-songwriter whose music combines elements of folk, blues, and Americana.
She gained recognition as a member of Our Native Daughters and through her solo work.
Her studies influenced Kiah’s musical career in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music at East Tennessee State University.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Black Myself, Wild Turkey | Dig (2013) |
18. 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.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Single White Female, Shut Up and Drive | Woman in the Moon (1994) |
19. Katie Pruitt
Katie Pruitt, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, is a singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and introspective songwriting.
Pruitt’s musical career began in her youth, influenced by musical theatre and learning guitar from her mother.
Her work aims to provide representation and understanding for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating similar experiences.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Expectations, Grace Has a Gun | Expectations (2020) |
20. Chris Housman
Chris Housman, born around 1990 in western Kansas, is a singer-songwriter known for incorporating gay themes into his music.
He gained attention with his 2020 single Nobody, which reflects on his personal life events.
Raised on a farm, Housman’s early exposure to country music and his experiences as a gay man in a conservative environment heavily influenced his songwriting.
And, his work aims to bring visibility and authenticity to LGBTQ+ narratives in country music.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Nobody, Blueneck | Blueneck (2023) |
21. Paisley Fields
Paisley Fields, the stage name of James Wilson, is a Brooklyn-based country artist known for mixing traditional country sounds with queer narratives.
Starting as a church pianist in the Midwest, Fields formed the Paisley Fields band in 2013.
Their music often explores the duality of masculine and feminine identities, as seen in albums like Glitter & Sawdust and Limp Wrist.
They aim to make country music more inclusive, drawing inspiration from queer icons and drag artists.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Stay Away From My Man, Limp Wrist | Oh These Urban Fences (2015) |
22. Patrick Haggerty (Lavender Country)
Patrick Haggerty was the frontman of Lavender Country, the first openly gay country music band, formed in 1972.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 1973, was groundbreaking, addressing LGBTQ+ themes head-on. After a period of obscurity, the album was reissued in 2014, leading to a resurgence in Haggerty’s musical career.
Haggerty’s motivation stemmed from his experiences as a gay man facing discrimination, leading him to use music as a form of activism.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Cryin’ These Cocksucking Tears, Back in the Closet Again | Lavender Country (1973) |
23. Michael Waugh
Michael Waugh is an Australian country singer-songwriter known for his storytelling and exploration of personal and social themes.
Growing up in Maffra, Victoria, he began writing songs at the age of 13 and released his debut album in 2015.
Waugh’s music is personal, often showing his experiences as a gay man in rural Australia.
And, he uses his platform to address issues of identity, acceptance, and social justice, aiming to foster understanding through his songs.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | We Are Here, Fix Me | What We Might Be (2015) |
24. 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.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Storm, Let the Light In | Let the Light In (2016) |
25. Willi Carlisle
Willi Carlisle is a folk singer-songwriter from Kansas, now based in Arkansas. 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.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Life on the Fence, Critterland | Peculiar, Missouri (2018) |
26. Rowan Simmons
Rowan Simmons is an emerging LGBTQ+ country artist known for their heartfelt songwriting and unique blend of traditional country with modern influences.
While specific details about their early life and career are limited, Simmons has been gaining recognition in the independent music scene for their storytelling and touching performances.
Simmons’s motivation for pursuing music stems from a desire to express personal experiences and connect with others through song.
Their work often explores themes of identity, love, and resilience, connecting with a diverse audience.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Kentucky Coal | N/A |
27. Maiah Wynne
Maiah Wynne, born December 22, 1996, in Colorado, is a singer-songwriter based in Gresham, Oregon.
She began composing music at the age of seven and gained recognition through music competitions during her high school years in Missoula, Montana.
Wynne is known for her hauntingly beautiful voice and has collaborated with artists like Alex Lifeson of Rush.
And, her motivation for pursuing music lies in her desire to make a difference through her art. She utilizes her platform to address social issues and connect with her audience on a profound level.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Ballad of Lefty Brown, Show the World | Out of the Dark (2023) |
28. Cameron Hawthorn
Cameron Hawthorn is a singer-songwriter from Kansas, known for blending country with pop and Americana influences.
He gained prominence with his single Dancing in the Living Room, which received acclaim for its pro-LGBTQ+ music video. Hawthorn’s motivation for pursuing music stems from his upbringing in the Midwest and a desire to tell authentic stories through song.
His work often explores themes of love and identity, aiming to bring inclusivity to the country music genre.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Dancing in the Living Room, To Break Hers | Cameron Hawthorn (2017) |
29. Brandon Stansell
Brandon Stansell is a singer-songwriter who has carved out a distinct place for himself in the genre.
Known for his passionate advocacy for the queer community, he made history in 2018 with his music video for Hometown, the first LGBTQ-themed video to debut on CMT.
Stansell’s motivation for pursuing music is rooted in his experiences growing up in Tennessee and a desire to bring visibility to LGBTQ+ narratives in country music.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Hometown, Wild Ride | Slow Down (2015) |
30. 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.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | You Don’t Lie Here Anymore, Kiss Me | Ride (2005) |
31. 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. Her candid storytelling and powerful vocals have established her as a prominent figure in the Americana and outlaw country scenes.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Neon Cross, Sweet Mess | Felony Blues (2017) |
32. Adeem the Artist
Adeem the Artist, born in 1988 in Locust, North Carolina, is an American country music singer known for Appalachian musical influences with poetic flair.
They have released several albums, including Cast-Iron Pansexual (2021) and White Trash Revelry (2022).
Additionally, his music often explores themes of faith, sexual identity, and self-acceptance. Their work has been praised for its authenticity and boundary-pushing narratives within the country genre.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Going to Hell, Middle of a Heart | Cast-Iron Pansexual (2021) |
33. Justin Hiltner
Justin Hiltner is a Nashville-based banjo player, songwriter, and music writer. 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.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1992, Benson Street | 1992 (2022) |
34. 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.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Why Won’t You Come Back to Me, Take Me for a Ride | The Names of Things (2014) |
35. Drake Jensen
Drake Jensen is a Canadian country music artist known for his rich baritone voice and heartfelt storytelling.
Jensen came out publicly as gay in 2012, using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
His music often reflects his personal life and aims to inspire others to accept their true selves.
| Started | Top Hits | Debut Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | On My Way to Finding You, Scars | On My Way to Finding You (2011) |
From small-town roots to big-city stages, these artists prove that true art comes from genuine self-expression. Their music connects people, sparks understanding, and celebrates individuality. The future of music is diverse and wonderfully inclusive, and these LGBTQ+ artists are leading the way.
