Iconic Women of Queer Country: Trailblazers in Music and Identity

Queer country music is a vibrant and growing genre. It blends traditional country sounds with stories of love, identity, and resilience. Women in this space have broken barriers, challenged norms, and created powerful art. This article explores the iconic women of queer country, their contributions, and their impact on the genre. Whether you’re a fan or new to the scene, you’ll discover inspiring stories and music that resonate.

Top Iconic Women of Queer Country

Below are some of the most influential Iconic Women of Queer Country music today. Their stories and music push boundaries and inspire fans worldwide.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile is a powerhouse in queer country. Openly lesbian, she’s won multiple Grammy Awards for her soulful blend of country, folk, and Americana. Her album By the Way, I Forgive You (2018) brought her mainstream success, with hits like “The Joke” celebrating resilience and identity.

• Key Contributions: Carlile co-founded the Highwomen, a female supergroup redefining country music. She also mentors young queer artists.
• Impact: Her openness about her identity inspires fans and challenges industry norms.
• Must-Listen Tracks: “The Story,” “The Joke,” “Hold Out Your Hand.”

Chely Wright

Chely Wright made history as one of the first major country artists to come out as lesbian in 2010. Her album Lifted Off the Ground reflects her journey of self-acceptance. Wright’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights has made her a trailblazer.

• Key Contributions: Her documentary Wish Me Away chronicles her coming-out story, resonating with fans globally.
• Impact: Wright’s courage opened doors for other queer artists in Nashville.
• Must-Listen Tracks: “Single White Female,” “Shut Up and Drive.”

k.d. lang

k.d. lang, a Canadian icon, blends country, pop, and jazz with her distinctive voice. Openly lesbian since the 1990s, she’s been a pioneer for queer visibility in music. Her album Ingénue (1992) is a classic, featuring the hit “Constant Craving.”

• Key Contributions: lang’s genre-defying music and bold identity challenged country’s conservative roots.
• Impact: She paved the way for queer artists to embrace authenticity without fear.
• Must-Listen Tracks: “Constant Craving,” “Miss Chatelaine.”

Tegan and Sara

Though known for indie pop, twins Tegan and Sara Quin have deep roots in country-influenced music. Openly queer, their early albums like So Jealous (2004) blend twangy guitars with raw emotion. They’ve openly discussed their queer identity in their music and advocacy.

• Key Contributions: Their foundation, Tegan and Sara Foundation, supports LGBTQ+ youth and women in music.
• Impact: Their crossover appeal brings queer stories to diverse audiences.
• Must-Listen Tracks: “Walking With a Ghost,” “Closer.”

Orville Peck

Orville Peck, a masked queer artist, blends classic country with modern flair. While Peck identifies as a man, his gender-fluid persona and campy aesthetic challenge norms, making him a key figure in queer country. His album Pony (2019) is a fan favorite.

• Key Contributions: Peck’s theatrical style and storytelling bring queer narratives to the forefront.
• Impact: His visibility inspires nonbinary and trans artists in country music.
• Must-Listen Tracks: “Dead of Night,” “Summertime.”

Key Themes in Queer Country Music

Queer country artists weave universal and unique themes into their music. These themes resonate with fans and reflect the genre’s evolution.

• Identity and Self-Acceptance: Songs often explore coming out, self-discovery, and embracing one’s truth.
• Love and Relationships: Queer love stories, from heartbreak to joy, challenge traditional country tropes.
• Resistance to Norms: Artists confront stereotypes in both country music and society.
• Community and Solidarity: Many songs celebrate queer community and allyship.

How to Support Queer Country Artists

Want to dive into queer country? Here’s how you can support these iconic women and their work:

• Stream Their Music: Use platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Bandcamp to listen to their albums.
• Attend Live Shows: Check artists’ websites for tour dates and local performances.
• Buy Merchandise: Support artists by purchasing merch from their official sites.
• Share on Social Media: Follow artists on Instagram, X, or TikTok and share their music with friends.
• Explore Festivals: Attend queer-friendly music festivals like Queer Country West or Outlaw Fest.
• Queer Country Playlists: Look for curated playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. Try “Queer Country Hits” or create your own with tracks from Carlile, Wright, and lang.
• LGBTQ+ Country Artists: Beyond women, artists like Orville Peck and Lil Nas X expand the genre’s inclusivity.
• History of Queer Country: The genre traces back to pioneers like k.d. lang in the 1990s, with modern artists building on her legacy.

Why These Women Are Iconic Women of Queer Country

The women of queer country are more than musicians—they’re trailblazers. They’ve faced industry challenges, from homophobia to rigid genre norms, yet continue to create authentic, powerful music. Their stories inspire fans to embrace their identities and push for change. By blending country’s storytelling tradition with queer perspectives, they’re reshaping the genre for future generations.

Conclusion

Iconic Women of Queer Country are like Brandi Carlile, Chely Wright, k.d. lang, Tegan and Sara, and Orville Peck are redefining country music. Their courage, talent, and authenticity make queer country a vital part of the music landscape. Explore Country Songs, support their work, and join the growing community of fans celebrating queer voices in country. Check out our latest article about Queer Country Artists or Canada’s Country Queers