Renee Fonseca is a bisexual and bilingual writer with experience through multiple digital channels, always embracing her passion for creativity.
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Mar 23, 2023
Hey y’all! Do you want to add more lesbian singers to your playlist? Or maybe you just appreciate the good twang of a heartfelt ballad? Then this article is for you!
We’re going to be diving into some of the women who have made waves in the music industry with their powerful vocals, poignant lyrics, and, oh yeah, their gayness!
Now, before we get too carried away with obsessing these WLW legends, we have to state the obvious… with many folks in the country industry sticking to heteronormative values and ignoring the LGBTQIA+ community altogether, feeling welcome within these tunes hasn’t always been easy.
That being said, there have always been queer folks in country music, even if they weren’t out at the time – a few early legends, like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton, were even rumored to have been involved with other women! But with record labels refusing to sign anyone who swung any way other than the straight way, it was the ladies who were brave enough to be out and proud that made history as queer legends today.
So, grab a glass of sweet tea, kick off your boots, and get ready to hear some of the best country songs out there, from some of the most badass lesbian performers around. Let’s get started!
Source: Billboard
Chely Wright made history as one of the first major country artists to come out as a lesbian, and let me tell you, it was a big freaking deal. Even though Chely had been a rising star in the industry for quite some time, she kept her sexuality hidden for years.
Finally, in 2010, Chely came out in a big way, sharing her story with the world in arguably the queerest way possible: via her memoir, “Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer.” Afterwards, she released an album, “Lifted Off the Ground,” featuring songs about her struggles with her sexuality and the backlash she faced after coming out.
And babe, let me tell you, coming out was no easy feat for her. She faced criticism from plenty of people within the country music community, radio stations refused to play her music, and some “fans” even called for boycotts! Delulu vibes all around. But, regardless of those challenges, Chely stood strong and became e a powerful advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, using her platform to raise awareness and fight for equality. She has also continued to make music, with her most recent album, “Revival,” released in 2019.
So let’s raise a glass to Chely Wright, y’all, who blazed a trail for other queer country artists to follow, and showed the country world that love is love.
Source: Rolling Stone
If you haven’t heard of Amythyst Kiah, you are missing out! This talented lady is a Black, queer country artist who is changing the industry with her soulful voice and honest lyrics.
Growing up in rural Tennessee, Amythyst developed a love for old-time music and the blues, which heavily influenced her sound. But let me tell you, she is no one-trick pony. Her music is a unique blend of country, folk, blues, and Americana, with lyrics that tackle everything from heartbreak to social justice issues.
As a queer woman of color, Amythyst has been open about experiencing a unique set of challenges. And it’s not stopping her. She refuses to be silenced or pigeonholed, using her platform to speak out on issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia.
The best part? She is just getting started. She continues to tour and release music that challenges expectations and pushes boundaries, showing that there is no one “right” way to be a country artist.
So if you’re looking for a fresh, authentic voice in the country music scene, look no further than Amythyst Kiah. She is a force to be reckoned with and a true trailblazer for queer and BIPOC artists in the country genre.
Source: From The Vaults
A true legend — I mean just look at the haircut, the multiple collars, the necklace — what a woman. Wilma got her start in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that she came out as a lesbian, becoming one of the few openly queer artists in country music at the time!
And dear, you can imagine that coming out as a lesbian in the 1970s was like trying to grab a pig covered in butter, especially in a genre that was known for its conservative values. But Wilma stood strong and continued to make music that reflected her truth and experiences.
Despite facing some backlash from some people in the industry, , she remained an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and an icon of the Nashville lesbian scene. In fact, she opened and operated a music venue called Track 9, and lesbians frequented plenty when it was around. Hey, who can blame them?
The venue was located across the street from Nashville’s first-known lesbian bar, The Women’s Room.
Wilma may have passed away in 2003, but her legacy as a queer country artist lives on. She paved the way for other LGBTQIA+ artists to be open and proud of their identities, and she showed the world that there is a place for all kinds of people in country music.
Source: Indigo Girls
If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ve gotta know about the Indigo Girls. This dynamic duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers has been making music together for over 30 years!
But the Indigo Girls are more than just talented musicians. They are also proud advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights, with both Amy and Emily identifying as lesbians. Their music often explores themes of love, loss, and acceptance, with lyrics that speak to the experiences of gay people in a world that don’t always accept them.
They have been making a difference in the world for decades, performing at numerous benefit concerts for LGBTQIA+ organizations, and they even started their own non-profit, the Indigo Girls Honor the Earth Fund, which supports indigenous environmental justice initiatives.
So whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering their music for the first time, there’s no denying the lasting impact of the Indigo Girls. They are a true inspiration for queer folks everywhere and a reminder that music can be a powerful force for change.
Source: New York Times
This Canadian-born singer is an absolute star in both the country and LGBTQIA+ communities. With a voice that will send shivers down your spine and a career that spans over three decades — you’re bound to fall in love.
K.d. lang came out as a lesbian in the early 1990s, and her openness about her sexuality was groundbreaking at the time, especially in her genre. Some critics accused her of “ruining” country music with her queer identity, but she remained steadfast in her authenticity, like a true icon. Her music speaks to her experiences as a lesbian who refused to compromise her values for anyone.
It’s always worth mentioning her incredible career. k.d. lang has won numerous awards, including four Grammys, NBD, and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, from Tony Bennett to Elton John.
But perhaps her greatest legacy is the impact she has had on the LGBTQIA+ community. K.d. lang has been a role model for queer folks everywhere, showing that it is possible to be true to yourself and still achieve success in a world that wants you to step back.
Source: People
If you haven’t heard of Brandi Carlile, then you are missing out on one of the most talented and inspiring queer country singers of our time. This Seattle-based singer-songwriter has been making music for over two decades, and we hope she’ll still be releasing bangers for decades to come!
Her authenticity and vulnerability are a hallmark of her music, with lyrics that speak to the struggles and triumphs of queer folks everywhere. She has numerous Grammy nominations and wins under her belt. She is a powerhouse, who has sang alongside the lovely Dolly Parton, and is known for supporting other artists who share her passion for authenticity and storytelling.
And let’s not forget about her advocacy work! Brandi Carlile has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights and created the Looking Out Foundation to help the voiceless through music. She is a true inspiration for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world, and a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for social change.
So ladies, if you’re looking for a lesbian country singer who will bring out all the feels, then look no further than Brandi Carlile. She is a true icon and a reminder that authenticity and vulnerability can be a powerful force for good.
Renee Fonseca is a bisexual and bilingual writer with experience through multiple digital channels, always embracing her passion for creativity.
