Gay Country Songs That Prove Country Boys Make Do

Country music has always been at least a little gay. You don’t look like Dolly Parton without accidentally (on purpose) inspiring a swath of men to attempt the art of drag.

But it wouldn’t be fair to say that country music is exceedingly welcoming to the LGBTQ community, either. Some people have always been OK with homos on the range where the deer and the antelope play. Others aren’t so keen on the idea. Thankfully, it seems like we’re collectively headed in the direction of acceptance.

Country artists with an LGBTQ perspective are no longer scoffed at or shunned. Instead, they’re often celebrated with adoring new fans and a platform to continue to strive for equality. Even straight artists are showing support and solidarity through their music. And if you’ve been a fan of gay country music from the jump, you know there’s never been a better time to put the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent in “country.”

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1. “Remind Me of You” — Lily Rose

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Lily Rose is coming out of the gate as one of the only LGBTQ country singers signed to a major label. Her heartbreaking ballad “Remind Me of You” proves that a gay love song can be relatable to listeners of any sexuality. We’ve all had that moment of meeting the perfect person but being unable to fall in love with them because we’re still stuck on someone from our past, right? (...right?) And if country music isn’t about rinsing your broken heart in a creek of flowing whiskey, then baby, we’re not interested.

2. “Ain’t We Brothers” — Sam Gleaves

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In this banjo ballad, Sam Gleaves makes an earnest appeal to blue-collar America to accept gay men as no different from their straight brothers. The song is a love letter to those who can reach across the aisle for solidarity among the working class. He sings that kinship and hard work are essential elements of country life. That’s a beautiful sentiment, no matter who you’re sleeping with.

3. “All American Boy” — Steve Grand

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Steve Grand’s “All American Boy” is about having eyes for someone at a Fourth of July bonfire. But plot twist: It’s a dude, and said dude is there with his girl. Sparks fly between them regardless — and not just from the fireworks they’re setting off unchaperoned. It’s a slice of gay Americana not experienced since Lana Del Rey found that tunnel under Ocean Boulevard.

4. “I’m Here, I’m Queer, and I’m Country” — Freddy Freeman

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The title doesn’t win any awards for subtlety, but that’s kind of the point; Freddy Freeman wants his queer country persona to be front and center with this song. Freeman croons on the record, “He’s a Southern boy with a heart of gold / Gonna marry him and love him ’til we’re gray and old.” He’s clearly not interested in hiding who he is, especially since the song was released on the cheekily titled album Just Bear With Me. Honey, we’re not just bearing you; we’re backing you fully!

5. “Old Town Road” — Lil Nas X

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If you haven’t heard of Old Town Road or Lil Nas X before, you’re likely from an alien planet. Frankly, we’re impressed you can read this!

“Old Town Road” demolished records and made history, charting on country and hip-hop charts simultaneously. Although he wasn’t out at the time, Lil Nas X has since made his queer identity an essential aspect of his music. Granted, Lil Nas X has mostly departed from the country genre, but it’s nice to see that he’s still riding ’til he can’t no more.

6. “Good Lookin’” — Dixon Dallas

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Dixon Dallas really went there in “Good Lookin’.” We never thought we would hear the word “bussy” on a country track, let alone a romantic description of analingus. Dixon Dallas’s ode to “Daddy” is one to clack your fan to, but mostly because you’ll need to cool off when you hear the overtly sexual lyrics.

Of all the gay country songs on our list, this one is easily the most salacious, so be careful about playing it in mixed company. There’s no way your grandpa is gonna think it’s about horseback riding.

7. “Smalltown Boy” — Orville Peck

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Orville Peck knocks it out of the park with his marriage of gay narratives and country themes. No song captures this better than “Smalltown Boy,” a track that touches on the tragedy of running away from a homophobic household. It’s a familiar story that fits perfectly within the lonesome cowboy archetype that pervades country music. And for that, we have to tip our ten-gallon hat to you, Orville.

8. “Kiss Me, Cowboy” — Tommy Atkins

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We’ve got another gay cowboy song that acknowledges the harsh reality of growing up gay in the boonies. “Kiss Me, Cowboy” is an LGBTQ love song that doesn’t pull punches in its portrayal of homophobia but still centers on the unique joys and heartbreaks of gay love. It’s an instant LGBTQ anthem.

9. “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other” — Ned Sublette

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Ned Sublette might not be a gay country singer himself. But just take a gander at that title. Have you ever seen a gay cowboy song that was so on the nose? Ned’s tune was written with Willie Nelson’s voice in mind, and the country legend finally covered it in 2006 (and don’t miss his 2024 duet with Orville Peck). The gender-bending language might sound dated now, but it serves as a time capsule to show how far queer liberation has come.

10. “What Mattered Most” — Ty Herndon

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Ty Herndon released “What Mattered Most” in 1995 when he was still very much in the closet. He re-released the song in 2019 after coming out as gay. Why is that such a big deal? Well, the song initially referred to a woman who left the narrator after an unsatisfying relationship. In contrast, the re-release switches the lyrics to make it about a male love interest.

Fellas, is it gay to change the lyrics to a country song so you can sing about a boy? (Yes, and we love it.)

11. “Follow Your Arrow” — Kacey Musgraves

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The lyrics “Kiss lots of boys — or lots of girls, if that’s something you’re into” are inarguably straightforward. Kacey has been an outspoken ally, securing her uncontested gay icon status. “Follow Your Arrow” is an ode to acceptance, telling listeners they should always be themselves, no matter where they’re headed.

12. “Younger Me” — Brothers Osborne

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When T.J. Osborne came out as gay, he did so with the support of his band and fans, which speaks volumes about the growing acceptance within the country music community. “Younger Me” came out shortly after T.J. Osborne did.

The synth-pop-infused song is written like a letter to his younger self, reassuring him that life’s trials are what made him the person he is today. It’s a beautiful song of self-acceptance and forgiveness for the missteps we all make on our personal journeys.

13. “Y’all Means All” — Miranda Lambert

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Miranda Lambert is tired of the homophobia, so she’s stepping up to the mic to give y’all an English lesson. The result is a heartfelt gay country anthem with a sense of lightness and fun. It makes sense when you consider it was written for the sixth season of Queer Eye, a show known for breaking down barriers in a way that’s approachable for all y’all.

14. “Jackson” — Trixie Mattel and Orville Peck

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This country classic might not have been gay to start with, but the combination of drag superstar Trixie Mattel and powerhouse gay country singer Orville Peck proves you can add a little LGBTQ flair to any tried-and-true song. Hearing these two bicker like an old married couple has cemented them as an all-time iconic duo.

15. “Country Radio” — The Indigo Girls

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OK, we lied; there might just be a more iconic gay duo than Trixie Mattel and Orville Peck. Although they’re unassailably queer, the Indigo Girls’ folk-rock styling might garner a raised eyebrow on a list of country music. But a song called “Country Radio” that recounts growing up in a small town and fantasizing about fitting into the stories told by blue-collar ballads? Mama, that’s gay country music if we’ve ever heard it.

Y’all come back now, ya queer!

Don’t let close-minded listeners claim country music for the straights. Us gays can do our own boot scootin’ with artists and songs like these. So, saddle up and take solace in the fantastic musical musings of our community’s finest members and assorted allies.

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