Chris Housman’s ‘Blueneck’ Offers Comfort in Country’s Embrace of Queer Community
In the evolving landscape of country music, Chris Housman’s song “Blueneck” stands out as a beacon of inclusivity and progressive values. The track, which has garnered significant attention on platforms like TikTok, is a testament to the growing acceptance and representation of the LGBTQ+ community within the traditionally conservative genre of country music.
Housman, who hails from rural Kansas, moved to Nashville at 18 to pursue his dreams in music and education. For a long time, he felt that being openly gay and pursuing a career in country music were mutually exclusive paths. “It was like, ‘I can continue to be comfortable and out and gay, or I can do country music, but I definitely can’t do both,’” he recalls. However, the success of “Blueneck” suggests that this dichotomy is beginning to dissolve.
The song, co-written with Nell Maynard and Tommy Kratzert, is an anthem for liberal rednecks, a term Housman coined while brainstorming ideas. The lyrics of “Blueneck” celebrate inclusivity and challenge traditional norms, with lines like “I think y’all means ‘all’” and “George Strait or George Gay, there’s no difference.” The song’s catchy chorus and hip-hop beat have made it a viral hit, resonating with a wide audience and climbing to the top of the iTunes chart.
Housman’s journey reflects a broader shift in country music, where more artists are coming out and finding acceptance. This change is not just about individual artists but also about the industry and its fans. Hunter Kelly, who hosts Apple Music Country’s biweekly Proud Radio, notes that many fans who felt alienated by the lack of LGBTQ+ representation are now feeling invited back into the fold. “The message I’ve been hearing is like, ‘OK, now I feel like I’m being invited back into being a country fan,’” Kelly says.
This sentiment is echoed by other artists who have come out in recent years. T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne made headlines when he publicly revealed his sexuality in a Time magazine interview. His coming out was a significant moment, given the duo’s success and visibility in the country music scene. Osborne’s vulnerability and honesty have paved the way for more open discussions about sexuality in the genre.
Brooke Eden’s story is another example of this shift. When she first began dating her now-fiancée Hilary Hoover, she was advised to keep the relationship a secret. However, her appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, where she performed with Trisha Yearwood and publicly celebrated her engagement, marked a turning point. The audience’s enthusiastic response to Yearwood’s pronoun change in the song “She’s in Love With the Boy” to “she’s in love with the girl” was a powerful moment of acceptance.
Miley Cyrus’ Stand By You concert, a Pride Month special filmed at the Ryman Auditorium, also highlighted the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ artists in country music. The concert featured performances by Brothers Osborne, Little Big Town, Mickey Guyton, Maren Morris, and Orville Peck, all of whom brought a sense of joy and inclusivity to the stage.
Despite these positive developments, the journey towards full acceptance and representation is ongoing. Brandy Clark, an out artist signed to a major label, has faced challenges in getting her music played on country radio. However, her presence and success as a songwriter have made a significant impact. “I’ve always done honestly what felt comfortable to me,” Clark says. “I’ve never been incredibly outspoken, but I’m never incredibly outspoken about anything except music.”
The industry’s support for LGBTQ+ artists is also evident in the success of artists like Lily Rose, who signed with Big Loud on the strength of her viral hit “Villain.” Rose’s openness about her sexuality and the label’s unequivocal support are signs of a more inclusive future for country music.
However, the mainstream shift towards including more LGBTQ+ voices has primarily centered on white artists. The country industry’s racist underpinnings remain a significant barrier for artists of color. Canada’s D’orjay The Singing Shaman and Nashville-based Joy Oladokun are among the few who are breaking through these barriers, bringing their unique perspectives to the genre.
Indie performers like Fancy Hagood and Harper Grae are also making waves with their honest and personal music. Hagood’s album Southern Curiosity and Grae’s recent work reflect their journeys as openly queer artists in a genre that has not always been welcoming.
As the country music industry continues to evolve, the success of songs like “Blueneck” and the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ artists offer hope for a more inclusive future. Housman’s viral hit is not just a song; it’s a statement that country music can and should be a space for everyone, regardless of their sexuality or background.
In the end, it may not be the artists alone who determine how much things change in Nashville. The fans, the industry, and the broader cultural landscape all play a role in shaping the future of country music. As more artists like Housman, Eden, and Osborne come out and find acceptance, the genre will continue to grow and evolve, reflecting the diverse voices and stories of its fans.
Source: Rolling Stone, Billboard, Time Magazine
