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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2014 11:36:00 GMT -5
"I'm pro-gay marriage. Pro-gay everything. I'm pro-choice. I'm liberal on every social aspect, probably. More liberal than people would even believe"
Natalie Maines
*I'm not surprised about Hank at all; that whole quote is just ignorant and hateful.
Trace surprises me, but it's more disturbing that the crowd responded with applause...seriously?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2014 8:41:12 GMT -5
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kanimal
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Post by kanimal on Jun 5, 2014 11:57:49 GMT -5
That Kacey Musgraves' line "or kiss lots of girls...if that's what you're into" is a sign that the genre still has a long way to go. That line, which basically still positions homosexuality as some side thing, was considered radically pro-gay.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2014 12:05:33 GMT -5
That Kacey Musgraves' line "or kiss lots of girls...if that's what you're into" is a sign that the genre still has a long way to go. That line, which basically still positions homosexuality as some side thing, was considered radically pro-gay. That's an interesting read of the line, and one that I had not considered nor heard of before. I'm not dismissing your understanding of the lyric, but I do disagree with your interpretation. I found that lyric to be an attempt to positively minimize the difference between heterosexuality and homosexuality, reduce the stigma surrounding same-sex relationships, and make the whole thing less of a deal than most people make it - as in, "you can kiss boys or you can kiss girls, I don't care, it's up to you, whatever you want to do, just do what you like, it shouldn't be an issue, etc." I didn't consider those words to be her relegating homosexuality to the sidelines at all. I continue to applaud her for writing the song the way she did. I do, however, agree that the genre could certainly improve in this area. This was a nice step forward, though, and recent comments from artists like Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Keith Urban give me hope that we're well on our way. I'm optimistic about the future of the format in this area, anyway. |
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dbhmr
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Post by dbhmr on Jun 5, 2014 12:16:20 GMT -5
That Kacey Musgraves' line "or kiss lots of girls...if that's what you're into" is a sign that the genre still has a long way to go. That line, which basically still positions homosexuality as some side thing, was considered radically pro-gay. That's an interesting read of the line, and one that I had not considered nor heard of before. I'm not dismissing your understanding of the lyric, but I do disagree with your interpretation. I found that lyric to be an attempt to positively minimize the difference between heterosexuality and homosexuality, reduce the stigma surrounding same-sex relationships, and make the whole thing less of a deal than most people make it - as in, "you can kiss boys or you can kiss girls, I don't care, it's up to you, whatever you want to do, just do what you like, it shouldn't be an issue, etc." I didn't consider those words to be her relegating homosexuality to the sidelines at all. I continue to applaud her for writing the song the way she did. I think if it were a regular quote--like something she said during an interview--I'd take more issue with the semantics, because it sounds a little dismissive in this day and age. But for the sake of song structure, I'm much more forgiving...there are beats and rhymes and arrangements to deal with. Opposite end of the genre spectrum, but I similarly don't take offense to Missy Elliott's line in "Pass That Dutch": "Freak her freak him whatever your choice, I didn't come to judge I came to get ya moist" (yasss). When people refer to sexuality as a choice in general conversation, I'm sharpening my claws; but here it's just irreverent word choice that sets up the rhyme. Imperfect, and both cases give pause just for the poor wording, but like I said, I'm more forgiving within the context of crafting a song. |
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Libra
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Post by Libra on Jun 5, 2014 13:27:54 GMT -5
That Kacey Musgraves' line "or kiss lots of girls...if that's what you're into" is a sign that the genre still has a long way to go. That line, which basically still positions homosexuality as some side thing, was considered radically pro-gay. I actually can see how it would be interpreted that way by many Country fans, particularly those who are more conservative. It's like...the slightest gay-supportive statement, would be considered "radically" pro-gay. I personally don't interpret her lyric that way, but I come from the same perspective as Censor and dbhmr on this. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2014 16:19:45 GMT -5
Let's not forget that FYA was co-written with Brandy Clark, who is a lesbian and a good friend of Kacey's. I don't think that particular lyric is the best line to show support for the pro-gay cause, but I agree with @dawson's take on it.
I think they wrote it the way they did in order to not come off so heavy-handed, since FYA has quite the light-hearted vibe to go along with a positive message (follow your arrow = be yourself, do what you want to do, be with who you love, etc).
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Post by Rose "Payola" Nylund on Jun 5, 2014 17:22:04 GMT -5
I read Brandy was a lesbian but wasn't sure if it were true. When listening to her album, I first thought one of the songs was about a relationship she had with a woman but reading the lyrics I realized it wasn't the case. I was slightly disappointed :/
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Post by fe_lipeoliveira on Jun 5, 2014 20:51:50 GMT -5
Both Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark are opened gays.
Anyway, it's an interesting take on the song and I had never thought about it, either. But I think it was just a modification on the last verse, since she sings "if that's something you're into" and just in the last chorus it changes to "if that's what you're into". IF (and only if) we would agree that the latter is kind of rude, I perceive the first line much more soft and inoffensive.
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baltized
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Post by baltized on Jun 26, 2014 3:52:03 GMT -5
Most of them are respectful towards gay people. I haven't met any who are true homophobes.
But I'm sure there are plenty who disagree with the lifestyle, but disagreeing doesn't make you homophobic.
By the way, I thought I heard that Chely Wright said something in her book about Brad Paisley saying being gay was a choice. Can anybody who has the book confirm it?
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Post by fe_lipeoliveira on Jun 26, 2014 8:49:01 GMT -5
Well, I read it many years ago and I don't remember. Now I lent it to a friend, so I can't check that for you :|
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2014 9:43:32 GMT -5
I thought I heard that Chely Wright said something in her book about Brad Paisley saying being gay was a choice. Can anybody who has the book confirm it? He liked my friends too, I think. A few of my good male friends are gay, and Brad knew that if he was going to be in my life, he was going to be around people "like that." We'd discussed the gay issue before and Brad's position on it was religiously based. He was a strict Christian and adhered to the belief that the Bible clearly says homosexuality is a sin. He expressed to me on many occasions that being gay is more than likely a result of someone's having been molested or that it is a choice. He is not alone in that thinking - especially in Nashville, in the south, and in the culture of country music. I made my case to him that I thought he was wrong and that most gays I know swear that it is not a choice. Nevertheless once he did spend time with the gay men in my life, he liked them a lot. One time he said to me when discussing one of those friends, "Hey, I like the guy, even though he's gay. I sat at the dinner table with him, anyway, didn't I?" - Chely Wright, Like Me (146-147) That said, that was more than one decade ago; people can evolve. |
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Uncle Lumpy
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Post by Uncle Lumpy on Jun 26, 2014 9:56:50 GMT -5
I thought I heard that Chely Wright said something in her book about Brad Paisley saying being gay was a choice. Can anybody who has the book confirm it? He liked my friends too, I think. A few of my good male friends are gay, and Brad knew that if he was going to be in my life, he was going to be around people "like that." We'd discussed the gay issue before and Brad's position on it was religiously based. He was a strict Christian and adhered to the belief that the Bible clearly says homosexuality is a sin. He expressed to me on many occasions that being gay is more than likely a result of someone's having been molested or that it is a choice. He is not alone in that thinking - especially in Nashville, in the south, and in the culture of country music. I made my case to him that I thought he was wrong and that most gays I know swear that it is not a choice. Nevertheless once he did spend time with the gay men in my life, he liked them a lot. One time he said to me when discussing one of those friends, "Hey, I like the guy, even though he's gay. I sat at the dinner table with him, anyway, didn't I?" - Chely Wright, Like Me (146-147) That said, that was more than one decade ago; people can evolve. That seems harmless enough . I certainly wouldn't drop Brad in the "anti" crowd. Especially considering the above quote would have happened nearly a decade ago. Alot of folks opinions on this issue have dramatically changed in the last ten years. Its not like Brad has thrown any bombs like John Rich has in that time period . Chely painted Rich in a much nastier light. And judging from some of his quotes I tend to believe her. Ive had this book for over a year , and I STILL havent read it. I gotta carve out some time to do that. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2014 21:49:18 GMT -5
I thought I heard that Chely Wright said something in her book about Brad Paisley saying being gay was a choice. Can anybody who has the book confirm it? He liked my friends too, I think. A few of my good male friends are gay, and Brad knew that if he was going to be in my life, he was going to be around people "like that." We'd discussed the gay issue before and Brad's position on it was religiously based. He was a strict Christian and adhered to the belief that the Bible clearly says homosexuality is a sin. He expressed to me on many occasions that being gay is more than likely a result of someone's having been molested or that it is a choice. He is not alone in that thinking - especially in Nashville, in the south, and in the culture of country music. I made my case to him that I thought he was wrong and that most gays I know swear that it is not a choice. Nevertheless once he did spend time with the gay men in my life, he liked them a lot. One time he said to me when discussing one of those friends, "Hey, I like the guy, even though he's gay. I sat at the dinner table with him, anyway, didn't I?" - Chely Wright, Like Me (146-147) That said, that was more than one decade ago; people can evolve. Interesting, but I'm not all that surprised. As someone said, there's a massive difference between being a homophobic ass*hole, and simply disagreeing with someone's lifestyle/thinking it's a choice. While I personally passionately disagree with this, I can't fault anyone for an opinion, and it seemed like Brad was as respectful and open-minded as he could have been. There's probably a lot of merit to the fact that a lot of people in the South have a similar mentality; there are several rumored Country stars who are gay who could never come out now for fear of backlash. That being said, I feel like this thread title is a bit misleading. Just because most Country artists are from the South and/or many may not presumably agree with the lifestyle doesn't mean that is entirely accurate. Sure, there are no openly gay Country singers who are superstars, but I think this has more to do with the perception of public image and/or PR folks being afraid that this could alienate an older portion of the fanbase. Realistically, the buying public is largely young and this generation is more liberal than most. Things have changed considerably, and I really think the idea that Country artists not coming out as gay has more to do with image than it does fear of alienating those who disagreeing with the lifestyle. Those folks aren't buying albums from FGL, Luke Bryan, Carrie, Miranda, or Blake, so it's not like the majority of these artists would be losing out on potential buyers. |
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Post by tim on Oct 27, 2014 23:10:15 GMT -5
Got to love Dolly. Here she is out there speaking about her new album and yet also speaking out about accepting everyone for who they are. Link to the video is here (Dolly Parton Praises Gay Fans). |
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Zazie
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Post by Zazie on Nov 2, 2014 16:35:53 GMT -5
Let's not forget that FYA was co-written with Brandy Clark, who is a lesbian and a good friend of Kacey's. I don't think that particular lyric is the best line to show support for the pro-gay cause, but I agree with @dawson's take on it. I think they wrote it the way they did in order to not come off so heavy-handed, since FYA has quite the light-hearted vibe to go along with a positive message (follow your arrow = be yourself, do what you want to do, be with who you love, etc). It's light-hearted, positively floaty in a way that verges on the patronizing, but obviously country music has bigger problems than one line that we can pick apart. What I thought was more on target was kanimal's point that even such a mild statement would be considered radical by many. In that context, I have to tip my hat to Kacey for her public action, but when I'm sitting at home listening to music and not thinking about politics, I don't like the line and it detracts from my enjoyment of the song. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2014 16:31:57 GMT -5
Collin Raye was mentioned earlier. His interview was with Country Weekly around the time that I Think About You came out. It was a blurb asking him about some random thing. He said the bible was very clear on homosexuality and he said he chose to live his life by the bible. It was blown out of proportion at the time. I don't remember about the exact issue, but he has settled down considerably from how overtly religious he was. Not defending him by any means.
As for others you can include on your list of gay friendly
Luke Bryan
Randy Houser
Thomas Rhett
Cassadee Pope
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vamp111
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Post by vamp111 on Nov 10, 2014 18:35:32 GMT -5
Collin Raye was mentioned earlier. His interview was with Country Weekly around the time that I Think About You came out. It was a blurb asking him about some random thing. He said the bible was very clear on homosexuality and he said he chose to live his life by the bible. It was blown out of proportion at the time. I don't remember about the exact issue, but he has settled down considerably from how overtly religious he was. Not defending him by any means. As for others you can include on your list of gay friendly Luke Bryan Randy Houser Thomas Rhett Cassadee Pope Why those four? Just curious. I know Luke has been on Ellen quite a few times, but that's the only thing I can think of. I think most country singers would go on Ellen regardless of their position. |
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Post by matty005 on Nov 13, 2014 10:25:47 GMT -5
Collin Raye was mentioned earlier. His interview was with Country Weekly around the time that I Think About You came out. It was a blurb asking him about some random thing. He said the bible was very clear on homosexuality and he said he chose to live his life by the bible. It was blown out of proportion at the time. I don't remember about the exact issue, but he has settled down considerably from how overtly religious he was. Not defending him by any means. As for others you can include on your list of gay friendly Luke Bryan Randy Houser Thomas Rhett Cassadee Pope I'm pretty sure he has shaved and has worn clothes of different fabrics which are not living his life by the bible. Oh yeah, and he got divorced. Pretty sure that's a big no no. |
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vamp111
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Post by vamp111 on Mar 23, 2015 17:54:04 GMT -5
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ant
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Post by ant on Mar 23, 2015 19:01:20 GMT -5
Smh at Scotty McCreery completely avoiding the question. |
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vamp111
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Post by vamp111 on Mar 23, 2015 19:53:52 GMT -5
Smh at Scotty McCreery completely avoiding the question. TBH, I admired his answer. Not everybody feels comfortable talking about gays, especially in the PC world we live in. If he doesn't feel comfortable, then that's his choice. |
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Libra
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Post by Libra on Mar 23, 2015 19:58:04 GMT -5
This has both come up and been posted before in a different thread if I'm not mistaken...
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Mar 23, 2015 20:11:20 GMT -5
This has both come up and been posted before in a different thread if I'm not mistaken... In the "News and Non-Singles" thread back in November. |
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Post by dreamregent on Mar 26, 2015 3:29:12 GMT -5
I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this (I didn't read the entire thread) but Reba McEntire used a well-known drag queen, and Reba impersonator, by the name of Coti Collins during her Starting Over tour in 1996. It was the tour with like 14 costume changes and a stage running the length of the middle of the arena from one end to the other. Coti is shown in the video below. I did not see this particular concert myself but this is supposedly how it worked: At around 2:45, the music for Fancy has just started and the camera pans to the left and zooms in on that end of the stage. It's hard to see because of the back light but that's Coti Collins wearing the big black Fancy coat, standing in front of the light and acting like she's performing the beginning of the song. Reba was singing off-stage at that point. Later on, the camera pans back to the right end of the stage and the "real" Reba emerged from that end in a red dress to finish the song. Whoever shot the video doesn't do a good job of showing the switcheroo but that's my understanding of how the gag worked.
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Post by tim on Mar 26, 2015 14:15:50 GMT -5
^Not the greatest video, but I have to say having been to quite a few Reba concerts in the mid 90's there isn't quite anything that compares to it. Her productions were huge and the entire show was really an event in and of itself. I'd love to teleport back and relive one of those concerts again lol. Luckily one of the shows I saw was filmed for an NBC special and I'm still able to view that now and again.
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Uncle Lumpy
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Post by Uncle Lumpy on Apr 23, 2015 13:08:46 GMT -5
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Post by McCreerian (Harris 2024!) on Jun 15, 2015 18:32:02 GMT -5
And Reba just posted this! |
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Uncle Lumpy
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Post by Uncle Lumpy on Jun 26, 2015 14:42:16 GMT -5
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Post by Rose "Payola" Nylund on Jun 26, 2015 15:32:20 GMT -5
wtf? Yeah, ok.
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