Do Any Country Singers Approve of Gay Fans?

[Deleted]

Add Kellie Pickler to the list. :) Around the 3:00 mark.

[.indulgecountry]

^ I love how he addressed her as "one of the biggest singing stars in this country."

And yesss Kellie, show the love. I knew she had to be supportive; she's just way too nice and loving of an individual personality-wise to suggest anything different. She seemed a bit flustered during the interview how to phrase it, but you can definitely tell which side she is on. Its nice to have the confirmation, and nice to add her to the list. ;)

[joey2002]

Better question – how many artists aren't on the list?

Honestly, I think most artists would generally be supportive.

[rsmatto]

Jul 12, 2012 18:04:11 GMT -5 joey2002 said:

Better question – how many artists aren't on the list?

Honestly, I think most artists would generally be supportive.

Right, It's not the artists. It's the perception that the genre is 'family values based' and that fans wouldn't like the artists if they were gay. But that's an old-world perception and while some would speak loudly, many would be happy to just enjoy the music no matter what pronoun is used in a loves song.

[.indulgecountry]

Jul 12, 2012 18:04:11 GMT -5 joey2002 said:

Better question – how many artists aren't on the list?

Honestly, I think most artists would generally be supportive.

Maybe. I feel like we're somtimes confusing support with endorsement though. In re: the actual topic title, yes, I'm sure most country artists don't care if they have gay fans (I mean, why would they?). But we want support, not just to be "tolerated" by a few select celebrities.

Sadly, most of Carrie's headlines on different news venues online were littered with an overwhelmingly negative commentary. The bigots always speak louder than the ones who are indifferent or favorable, but its still unsettling to see such a response from people still today.

[MusicRules]

^^
I'm glad to hear that. I live in a rural, yet progressive state, and the tide is certainly turning.

[Uncle Lumpy]

Ugh. Sounds like two more we can put on the "Con" side . Man I wish Hank would just shut up about politics. Every time he opens his mouth lately, I lose a little more respect.

Hank Williams Jr : "We’ve got a Muslim for a President who hates cowboys, hates cowgirls, hates fishing, hates farming, loves gays, and we hate him,"


www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/03/hank-williams-jr-obama-gays_n_1852739.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl2|sec3_lnk1&pLid=200583&utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

Trace's quote is pretty old (2008) but apparently he said some stuff in his book (I don't even remember a book) , and there was apparently an incident on the Apprentice that some perceived as Homophobic.

Trace Adkins : "Since we are in Massachusetts, we can just get married before we go home," he said, obviously joking and then adding in a serious tone, "That shit ain't right, you know." The crowd responded with applause.

Atkins quickly said, "You can do whatever you want."


www.countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem.asp?xid=2221


“Through civil unions, gay couples are welcome to all the legal benefits that married couples get. But please don’t call it marriage, okay? I know it’s just semantics, but words have meaning. And that’s where I draw the line — and that’s where I draw the line. And please don’t call me homophobic, or whatever y’all call it, because I’m not afraid (or photo), least of all of lesbians or gays. Lots of gays are country music fans.”

Trace Adkins in his book “A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck” (November 2007)



I also read a Joe Nichols Twitter quote about Chick Fil A that Im gonna choose to ignore (it was actually pretty funny) . Im hoping it was just a "Blake Shelton moment".

[rsmatto]

Should we be surprised that Hank Jr's against Gay equality? Nope. He's hit the crazy old man stage. Wonder what he'll do if the President is re-elected. And it's pretty tiring that he's still railing on about the "anti-country" "muslim." Obama is NOT muslim and never was raised that way. I lived in a communist country (China). Does that make me Communist? Nope. Oy Vay.

As for Trace, he clearly says he's not offended by them and states his opinion and as long as he's for legal benefits and equality rights (which he states he is in his book), that's fine by me.

[ryanroberts]

I agree with Trace.

[Uncle Lumpy]

Sept 4, 2012 10:18:07 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

Should we be surprised that Hank Jr's against Gay equality? Nope. He's hit the crazy old man stage. Wonder what he'll do if the President is re-elected. And it's pretty tiring that he's still railing on about the "anti-country" "muslim." Obama is NOT muslim and never was raised that way. I lived in a communist country (China). Does that make me Communist? Nope. Oy Vay.

As for Trace, he clearly says he's not offended by them and states his opinion and as long as he's for legal benefits and equality rights (which he states he is in his book), that's fine by me.

I agree on the Hank comment, but it is still disheartening as someone that was raised on his music & I've probably seen him live a dozen times. I cant imagine being at a show and hearing the above quote.... and the roaring applause that followed.


And while Trace did manage to sanitize his comment slightly, the fact that NO civil unions are in fact equal to marriage still makes me think his views are probably closer aligned with Hanks then he is willing to admit. At least while he still has a relevant career....

EDITED: Because maybe we SHOULD be listening to Hank & Trace on marriage issues. Between the two of them , they have been married EIGHT times. (cough)

[rsmatto]

Sept 4, 2012 10:35:39 GMT -5 Uncle Lumpy said:

Sept 4, 2012 10:18:07 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

Should we be surprised that Hank Jr's against Gay equality? Nope. He's hit the crazy old man stage. Wonder what he'll do if the President is re-elected. And it's pretty tiring that he's still railing on about the "anti-country" "muslim." Obama is NOT muslim and never was raised that way. I lived in a communist country (China). Does that make me Communist? Nope. Oy Vay.

As for Trace, he clearly says he's not offended by them and states his opinion and as long as he's for legal benefits and equality rights (which he states he is in his book), that's fine by me.

I agree on the Hank comment, but it is still disheartening as someone that was raised on his music & I've probably seen him live a dozen times. I cant imagine being at a show and hearing the above quote.... and the roaring applause that followed.


And while Trace did manage to sanitize his comment slightly, the fact that NO civil unions are in fact equal to marriage still makes me think his views are probably closer aligned with Hanks then he is willing to admit. At least while he still has a relevant career....

Hank went completely "Tea Party" with his last album and benefitted with the best sales he's had in at least 5-6 years.

Trace probably is weirded-out by it through some sort of Christian theologized filter, which is common. But the problem with that filter is it's a preacher/preacher's views on losing potential 'customers' and some religion's way to try and control rather than being anything in an actual Bible book.

As for civil unions, legally they would be but the real issue is that unless marriage is allowed, states will find ways to gerrymander the laws around which gays can't then adopt or can get fired for being gay, etc. THESE are the real reasons for the term to be Marriage and not 'just' unless 'traditional marriages' are called 'civil union' under state/federal marriage laws.

Whether those guys like it or not, same-sex marriages are going to be the national norm sooner rather than later. Washington & Maryland are likely going to be the first two states to uphold initiatives against the state's legislated laws while California has likely been upheld and may not even see the Supreme Court. Then, there's Maine which got so up in arms over the politics of the last vote that they're looking at these laws again. If Maine approves it, the majority of the northeast and the west coast will be leading the way, much like country radio, hahaha.

[Uncle Lumpy]

Sept 4, 2012 11:06:17 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

Sept 4, 2012 10:35:39 GMT -5 Uncle Lumpy said:

I agree on the Hank comment, but it is still disheartening as someone that was raised on his music & I've probably seen him live a dozen times. I cant imagine being at a show and hearing the above quote.... and the roaring applause that followed.


And while Trace did manage to sanitize his comment slightly, the fact that NO civil unions are in fact equal to marriage still makes me think his views are probably closer aligned with Hanks then he is willing to admit. At least while he still has a relevant career....

Hank went completely "Tea Party" with his last album and benefitted with the best sales he's had in at least 5-6 years.

.

Totally agree. I don't mind the occasional political song. Hanks always done them, & Ive enjoyed alot of them . I don't require artist's share my every opinion or political view. But that entire album was nothing but one huge political statement. I don't really care for my country music sounding like I'm attending the Republican Convention. The sad part was I thought it was the first time Hank has sang with true conviction in over a decade. His voice was great & the music was as well. Even if I did agree with the message it just seems so silly to time date an entire album like that.

Sept 4, 2012 11:06:17 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

Sept 4, 2012 10:35:39 GMT -5 Uncle Lumpy said:

I agree on the Hank comment, but it is still disheartening as someone that was raised on his music & I've probably seen him live a dozen times. I cant imagine being at a show and hearing the above quote.... and the roaring applause that followed.


And while Trace did manage to sanitize his comment slightly, the fact that NO civil unions are in fact equal to marriage still makes me think his views are probably closer aligned with Hanks then he is willing to admit. At least while he still has a relevant career....

Trace probably is weirded-out by it through some sort of Christian theologized filter, which is common. But the problem with that filter is it's a preacher/preacher's views on losing potential 'customers' and some religion's way to try and control rather than being anything in an actual Bible book.

As for civil unions, legally they would be but the real issue is that unless marriage is allowed, states will find ways to gerrymander the laws around which gays can't then adopt or can get fired for being gay, etc. THESE are the real reasons for the term to be Marriage and not 'just' unless 'traditional marriages' are called 'civil union' under state/federal marriage laws.

I agree , that his opinions are probably rooted in religion , I just don't believe that should be an excuse to limit the rights of others. I can't even wrap my brain around that concept. The fact that civil unions are fought and voted against with the same ferocity that same sex marriage is, makes me question anyone with his supposed opinion. I'm not saying I'm going to boycott him or anything, but I will be watching him with a little more scrutiny from here on out.

But yeah, I think Hank is dead to me. I can't support that kind if arrogance / ignorance anymore.

[.indulgecountry]

Not surprised about either Hank or Trace. Don't care much for Trace and his music, but he at least seems to be tolerant (though not going the distance and being for equality). And I just can't stand Hank Jr.'s music or his ridiculous antics. They guy seems like a big moron to me.

[rsmatto]

Sept 4, 2012 16:50:14 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

Not surprised about either Hank or Trace. Don't care much for Trace and his music, but he at least seems to be tolerant (though not going the distance and being for equality). And I just can't stand Hank Jr.'s music or his ridiculous antics. They guy seems like a big moron to me.

Because he always has been, most of the time. Too much cocaine and alcohol me thinks.

Trace, at least knows he has gay fans. But sadly, both these opinions support the fact that even if a big star came out as gay, they would likely be blacklisted by conservative controlled corporate radio. :(

[joey2002]

Sept 4, 2012 19:52:00 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

But sadly, both these opinions support the fact that even if a big star came out as gay, they would likely be blacklisted by conservative controlled corporate radio. :(

Trace and Hank aren't exactly getting much airplay themselves, so I wouldn't necessarily put too much stock in their opinions... ;)

[.indulgecountry]

Sept 4, 2012 22:24:15 GMT -5 joey2002 said:

Sept 4, 2012 19:52:00 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

But sadly, both these opinions support the fact that even if a big star came out as gay, they would likely be blacklisted by conservative controlled corporate radio. :(

Trace and Hank aren't exactly getting much airplay themselves, so I wouldn't necessarily put too much stock in their opinions... ;)

This. And a lot of craziness was broughout out in conservative fans of Carrie Underwood on the Internet for like a couple weeks and we've now seen how that's affected country radio's leading lady. While not the same as being an openly gay artist, there's no arguing that times are not continuing to change.

I also wouldn't be surprised if the big corporate radio stations may be more willing to accept the challenge of playing a gay country artist much more readily than the small town-oriented ones littering mid-America.

[Almost Honest]

Sept 4, 2012 22:24:15 GMT -5 joey2002 said:

Sept 4, 2012 19:52:00 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

But sadly, both these opinions support the fact that even if a big star came out as gay, they would likely be blacklisted by conservative controlled corporate radio. :(

Trace and Hank aren't exactly getting much airplay themselves, so I wouldn't necessarily put too much stock in their opinions... ;)

True but I think we can all agree that most of the men in county music would not support gay marriage or gay fans. Sure they want money from fans no matter what but I don't see any of them speaking out directly supporting their gay fans. The only male I have seen actually mention gay rights has been Garth Brooks back in 1992 or so when he recorded and released the song "We Shall Be Free".

[jptexas]

Yea, I'm losing respect for Hank every time he opens his mouth lately.
And, he's been opening his mouth a lot. I appreciate his music but he seems
to harbor a lot of hate these days.

[Uncle Lumpy]

Sept 5, 2012 1:17:42 GMT -5 Almost Honest said:

Sept 4, 2012 22:24:15 GMT -5 joey2002 said:

Trace and Hank aren't exactly getting much airplay themselves, so I wouldn't necessarily put too much stock in their opinions... ;)

True but I think we can all agree that most of the men in county music would not support gay marriage or gay fans. Sure they want money from fans no matter what but I don't see any of them speaking out directly supporting their gay fans. The only male I have seen actually mention gay rights has been Garth Brooks back in 1992 or so when he recorded and released the song "We Shall Be Free".

Thats not really accurate. Toby Keith of all people has been pretty pro gay rights across the board. And was ahead of the curve as far as public opinion.

[Almost Honest]

Sept 5, 2012 7:52:57 GMT -5 Uncle Lumpy said:

Sept 5, 2012 1:17:42 GMT -5 Almost Honest said:

True but I think we can all agree that most of the men in county music would not support gay marriage or gay fans. Sure they want money from fans no matter what but I don't see any of them speaking out directly supporting their gay fans. The only male I have seen actually mention gay rights has been Garth Brooks back in 1992 or so when he recorded and released the song "We Shall Be Free".

Thats not really accurate. Toby Keith of all people has been pretty pro gay rights across the board. And was ahead of the curve as far as public opinion.

You got me there. I did forget about his comments on it and was glad to reread them just now. While I do think this is a good discussion and am glad to see Carrie speaking out, the pessimist inside still feels like there is a long way to go for gay rights both within music and in general.

[Deleted]

"I never had a problem with any of it. I've known straight and gay people all my life. I can't tell the difference. People are people where I come from. ... I never thought of marriage as something only for men and women. But I'd never marry a guy I didn't like. As humanity, we've come through so many problems from the beginning to here. I guess it finally had to come around to this. This is just another situation, another problem. We'll work it out and move on. We'll look back and say it was crazy that we ever even argued about this." - Willie Nelson

[Deleted]

I don't think David Allan Coe gives a you know what about having fans that are gay or whatever.
I think he discusses this topic best in this song:

[Uncle Lumpy]

Judging from this song and his other rather vile & racist songs from his unerground albums, I dont believe many folks in modern society really give a "you know what" about David Allan Coe's opinions . With the exception of a handful of great tunes that came from his pen, Coe is nothing but a skid mark on the country music history books as far as Im concerned.

[tim]

Sorry I just couldn't resist this...(and for all you true Willie fans out there he welcomes all)

[rjz]

Ha, I love it! ^^^^

I have two clients who just went to a neighboring state to get married (after being together for 25 years) and I was wrestling with gift to get two gay men I don't know very well...
Maybe a Willie Nelson compilation :)

[Deleted]

Dolly:

Speaking of favorites, Parton was asked about her fan base in the LGBT community, who have long admired her. "The guys all want to look like me," she admitted. "I've always said it's a good thing I was born a woman or I would have been a drag queen. I think they definitely relate to my flamboyance. I've always been so outgoing. But, I think more than anything, everybody realizes I've been through a lot myself. I've been persecuted for looking the way I looked in the early days, for saying what I think and feel. They know I understand what it's like to be me, and to fight for being myself, and overcoming a lot of things. I think they also know that I just love them. I don't judge or criticize anybody. God loves us all. I look for the God-light in everybody, and I want the God-light to shine through me. I understand them. We're just people. We just do what we do, love who we love, and can't help who we are. We should be that -- proudly."

[rsmatto]

May 18, 2014 18:38:41 GMT -5 @brian said:

With new boy bands like Dan + Shay and Chasin' Crazy coming out, we are going to see a lot of gay teen boys listening to country music.

They already do. Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and virtually any female artist is adored by gay teen (and non teen) boys.

[Kanenrá:ke]

May 18, 2014 23:31:34 GMT -5 rsmatto said:

May 18, 2014 18:38:41 GMT -5 @brian said:

With new boy bands like Dan + Shay and Chasin' Crazy coming out, we are going to see a lot of gay teen boys listening to country music.

They already do. Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and virtually any female artist is adored by gay teen (and non teen) boys.

I listened to country music my whole life so I never had to find the genre but what made me start following the genre much more closely was the female artists like Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Sara Evans, Jo Dee Messina & Shania Twain. Before I discovered them it was just the type of music my parents and grandparents listened to. The men of country at the time (Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, etc.) weren't the one's that appealed to me. So from my experience as a gay teen I agree with Matt in that it's the female artists that attract teen gays.

Look at who are typically considered gay icons in the pop world. Cher, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Cyndi Lauper. Meanwhile I can't at the moment really think of any male gay icons. I mean there's some but many who were championed by the gay community aren't as remembered as such. (Elton John, Prince).

So while they may attract a few gay fans for the most part I think it'll be the younger female artists like Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Ashley Monroe, Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbery, etc., etc. that'll be the ones to bring in more gay listeners.

Besides as good looking as those two groups are, I've always been more of a Gary Allan/Joe Nichols guy.

[Uncle Lumpy]

I would add that legendary acts like Dolly , Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker & Tammy Wynette always had a big gay fan base....

[Kanenrá:ke]

^ Yes I just realized I missed some country names in there lol