Garth Brooks and Shania Twain's Support for the LGBTQ Community in Country Music

The Unwavering Support of Music Icons Garth Brooks and Shania Twain for the LGBTQ Community

In the world of country music, being an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ rights has often been met with backlash from conservative fans. However, two of the genre's biggest stars, Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, have remained steadfast allies of the LGBTQ community throughout their careers. Their refusal to back down in the face of criticism has paved the way for greater acceptance of LGBTQ people in country music.

Garth Brooks' Early Support of Gay Rights

Garth Brooks rose to fame in the early 1990s with hit albums like "No Fences" and "Ropin' the Wind." Right from the start of his career, he made it clear he supported gay rights. In 1992, he released the song "We Shall Be Free," which included the lyrics "When we're free to love anyone we choose...we shall be free." It was a bold statement at a time when many country stars avoided taking a stance on LGBTQ issues.

According to Brooks, when he performed "We Shall Be Free" at concerts, some fans would walk out. However, he refused to back down, telling Entertainment Weekly in 1992: "If you're offended, that's fine. But if you're offended enough to walk out, don't come back when the next song starts playing."

Brooks doubled down on his support for the gay community in 1993 by declining to tape a TV performance unless producers allowed openly gay singer k.d. lang to perform as well. The producers gave in, and lang joined Brooks on the show. Brooks explained he felt strongly about standing up for lang because "she deserves a chance."

Shania Twain Voices Support for Same-Sex Marriage

Canadian singer Shania Twain became the best-selling female country artist of all time in the 1990s, with hit albums like "The Woman in Me" and "Come On Over." In 2000, she became one of the first major country stars to publicly support same-sex marriage.

In an interview with The Advocate, Twain asserted her belief that "everyone should be able to marry regardless of sexual orientation." She added that she understood this was a risky stance to take: "I know this is very controversial in my fan base, but I think we have to accept everyone for who they are."

Twain received backlash for her comments, but she did not back down. Over the years, she has continued to speak out in support of same-sex marriage and other gay rights issues. In 2012, she even shot down critics who accused her of not being "country enough" due to her liberal views, stating simply: "I am country."

Brooks Sticks to His Principles Despite Backlash

In 2000, Garth Brooks made the unprecedented move of withdrawing himself from nominations for the Country Music Association Awards. He did so in protest of the narrow-minded attitudes towards LGBTQ performers in country music.

"If this is hurting other people, then I don't want to be a part of it," Brooks explained. His boycott drew criticism from conservative fans, but bolstered his reputation as a staunch ally.

Nearly two decades later, Brooks is still fighting for inclusion. In 2016, he urged the Country Music Association to recognize openly gay singer Ty Herndon. Herndon had come out as gay the previous year, becoming the first major male country star to do so.

"This is one that we can't afford to get wrong," Brooks said. "We just need to love everybody." While the CMA failed to nominate Herndon, Brooks proved yet again he will speak up for LGBTQ performers.

Twain Welcomes Fans of All Orientations

Unlike Brooks' displays of allyship through activism, Twain has focused on fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity at her concerts. She frequently incorporates rainbow imagery and themes of diversity into her live shows.

"I've made a real effort to be inclusive to all people at my shows, especially the LGBTQ community," Twain told Billboard in 2018. "Rainbow colors are just a natural part of my performances now."

Twain has said one of her proudest moments was looking out at the crowd during the 2015 Calgary Stampede and seeing plenty of rainbow flags waving alongside Canadian flags. She hopes that visual sends a clear message to LGBTQ fans that they are welcome and accepted at her concerts.

Two Icons Leading the Way for LGBTQ Acceptance in Country Music

Thanks to the steadfast allyship of Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, being an LGBTQ country artist or fan looks very different today than it did decades ago. Though discrimination still exists, their unwavering support has encouraged many other stars to stand up for gay rights.

Brooks and Twain have also opened the door for a new generation of openly LGBTQ country singers. Artists like Brooke Eden, Brandi Carlile, Lily Rose, and TJ Osborne now represent the future of a more inclusive country genre.

In the end, Brooks and Twain's courage to speak out despite backlash has moved the needle towards wider acceptance. Their journeys prove that staying true to your principles can inspire real cultural change. They are icons not just for their music, but for using their platforms to foster a more open and loving world.

FAQs

How long has Garth Brooks been an outspoken supporter of gay rights?

Garth Brooks has been a supporter of gay rights since the very beginning of his career in the early 1990s. His 1992 song "We Shall Be Free" included lyrics supporting gay marriage, and he spoke out for inclusion even when it cost him fans.

What controversial stance did Shania Twain take in 2000?

In 2000, Shania Twain openly declared her support for same-sex marriage in an interview with The Advocate. At the time, this was a very controversial position that was unheard of from major country stars.

How did Brooks protest country music's treatment of LGBTQ people in 2000?

In 2000, Brooks withdrew himself from nominations for the Country Music Association Awards in protest of narrow-minded attitudes towards LGBTQ performers in the country genre.

How does Twain create an inclusive atmosphere at her concerts?

Twain incorporates rainbow imagery and themes of diversity into her live shows to clearly signal that LGBTQ fans are welcome. She has said making her concerts inclusive is very important to her.

How have Brooks and Twain paved the way for more inclusion in country music?

Brooks and Twain's unwavering stances in support of the LGBTQ community have encouraged other country stars to show their support as well. They have also opened doors for a new generation of openly LGBTQ country singers.