Country Music,
Gone Gay!

"Cowboys are frequently… secretly… fond… of each other!"

I almost dropped my XM player when I heard Willie Nelson warble this openly gay tune. Sitting in an airport on my way back, from Texas(of all places), to Rochester(the 2nd gayest city in NY), I can‘t help but think how bizarre is this? First Brokeback Mountain, with its twangy country soundtrack and Dolly Parton’s song for Trans America, now this. Is country the new pink? Well I don't know about that but country music seems to be coming to the forefront of the gay movement this year, though most of its artists and fans hail from red states. For those of you who don’t live in one, a red state is where they change the channel on men’s figure skating ‘cause it’s too queer. So the question is are they ready(and are we)? Growing up in western NY, I’ve heard my fair share of country music. The fan base here is bigger than most among the straight folks and it‘s not just the rural areas. They have Rustler’s Roost, Daisy Duke’s and there’s even a new country bar opening in downtown Rochester. In the gay-scene it’s decidedly an underground movement. There’s always a collective groan whenever a country song comes on the jukebox at the Avenue Pub and while no one will admit it, someone had to play it. What I can’t figure out is why? Everyone loved the cowboy in the village people.

What gay man doesn’t fantasize about the red blooded American cowboy, coming home to hang his hat after hard day, 5 o’clock shadow visible under a thin layer of trail dust that clings to his sweaty chiseled form, the day’s tension sliding from muscle to muscle as he takes off his boots and unbuttons his….oops sorry where was I? Oh yeah, why is country music gay-ly uncool? After all it’s got drama, and when it comes to drama TNT ain’t got nothing on gay men, WE know drama baby. There’s angst, from the breakup with your first crush to the hottie who didn’t notice you provocatively picking out kiwi at the supermarket last week, gay men have angst. These days country is even more diverse from the rodeo pretty boys to the trail boss daddies. There's good guys, bad guys and red-necks…oh my! Guess what Dorothy, we ARE in Kansas. It’s got women with big hair, flashy dresses and lots of eye-shadow, every drag queens’ dream. It’s even got pretty women in boots and hats for the lesbians! Even Elvis liked country and c'mon the jewelry, the hair, those fabulous stage outfits…you figure it out.

Don't expect your local gay bars to start having country nights anytime soon but I wouldn't be surprised if we hear some country dance remixes. Just remember it's always chic to be a pioneer! Whether it's bluegrass, folk or modern pop styles, I say it’s time to come out of the closet…again. Be Gay, be Proud, be Hillbilly…er Rock-a-billy that is. For the record, I'm Gay and I like country music! I even want Rascal Flatts ‘Bless the Broken Road” played at my wedding! Once I find a husband of course…minor details…