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Discover 30 Country LGBTQ+ Artists You Need to Hear Now

By Iggy Kay | Last Updated: Aug 29, 2025

A group of queer country artists in rhinestones and denim posing under neon lights in a bar.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Why Queer Representation Matters in Country Music

  3. 30 Queer Country Artists Redefining the Genre

  4. How These Artists Are Changing the Landscape

  5. How to Support Queer Country Artists

  6. Conclusion

Country music has always been rooted in storytelling — but for decades, the queer community has been pushed to the margins of those narratives. In 2025, the tide has shifted. Queer country artists are no longer hiding; they’re taking center stage, blending tradition with authenticity, and proving that the heart of country music beats stronger when all voices are included.

This roundup introduces 30 LGBTQ+ artists you need to know right now, spanning outlaw country, Americana, folk, bluegrass, and genre-bending hybrids.

Why Queer Representation Matters in Country Music

Country music has historically centered cisgender, straight narratives. The arrival of out LGBTQ+ voices pushes back against exclusion and broadens what the genre can mean. These artists bring lived experiences of resilience, rural queer life, chosen family, and love beyond heteronormativity.

Representation isn’t just visibility — it’s power. It allows fans to see themselves in the music while holding the industry accountable for inclusivity.

30 Queer Country Artists Redefining the Genre

Here are 30 artists (emerging and established) making waves in 2025:

  1. Orville Peck – The masked crooner with a rich baritone and a leather-fringe aesthetic.

  2. Brandy Clark – Grammy-nominated songwriter whose storytelling resonates across queer and straight audiences alike.

  3. T.J. Osborne (Brothers Osborne) – The first openly gay major-label country artist.

  4. Brooke Eden – Radiates warmth with love-forward anthems.

  5. Lily Rose – Blending pop-country with unapologetic queerness.

  6. Katie Pruitt – Fierce lyricist with a voice steeped in truth and Southern soul.

  7. Brandi Carlile – Americana icon whose work consistently uplifts queer narratives.

  8. Amythyst Kiah – Grammy nominee weaving roots and rock with raw vulnerability.

  9. Paisley Fields – Country storyteller with witty, heartfelt songs.

  10. Fancy Hagood – Formerly “Who Is Fancy,” now fully claiming his queer country-pop identity.

  11. Autumn Nicholas

  12. Mya Byrne

  13. Cameron Hawthorn

  14. Jaime Wyatt

  15. Chely Wright – A trailblazer who came out publicly in 2010.

  16. Rissi Palmer – Uplifting Black and queer voices with her platform.

  17. Waylon Payne

  18. Justin Hiltner

  19. Adrianne Lenker (Big Thief) – Folk-country inflections in a queer-led band.

  20. The Shires (Queer members)

  21. Karen & the Sorrows – Pioneering queer country band.

  22. Rachel Cholst – Music journalist and artist amplifying queer voices.

  23. Jessye DeSilva

  24. Nefesh Mountain – Bluegrass duo with LGBTQ+ advocacy.

  25. Emma White

  26. Mal Blum

  27. Lydia Loveless

  28. Crys Matthews

  29. Mary Gauthier – Americana veteran writing about queer love and resilience.

  30. Sam Williams – Son of Hank Williams Jr., forging a queer legacy in country.

(Note: Full list curated to balance mainstream names with rising independent voices.)

How These Artists Are Changing the Landscape

Together, these artists are rewriting the country canon. They perform openly at the Grand Ole Opry, headline festivals, and release music that defies gatekeeping. Importantly, they’re carving out safe spaces for fans who never saw themselves represented before.

Country music has always been about truth. Queer country proves that truth is expansive, inclusive, and deeply resonant.

How to Support Queer Country Artists

  • Stream and purchase albums directly through Bandcamp or official sites.

  • Buy tickets to shows, especially in small venues where support matters most.

  • Amplify on social media — share playlists, interviews, and livestreams.

  • Support queer media outlets (like Country Queer) that spotlight these voices.

The queer revolution in country music isn’t coming — it’s here. These 30 artists represent only the beginning of a movement expanding the genre’s soul. Country music is for everyone, and the future sounds louder, prouder, and more authentic than ever.