Say It Loud (And a Retraction)
Howdy, cowpokes!
First of all, thanks so much to everyone who has so generously contributed to the Rainbow Rodeo issue 3 fundraiser! In just 5 days, we've raised $1180! Only $220 to go, so consider pre-ordering your copy of the zine or joining the Patreon today!
In other news, I am once again the "voice" of Sirius XM's Country Pride channel, which launches today on Channel 105 and will be available all month! You'll hear me doing all the random interstitials. I've also curated a set of music by trans, non-binary, and drag artists called Wide Open Spaces. You can listen here at 5 PM today AND
Tues 6/13 @ 12pm ET
Thurs 6/15 @ 9am ET
Weds 6/21 @ 8pm ET
The link will go live at 5 PM!
OK, now the retraction. You probably know I like to to talk shit. Well, it's time to put my foot (and all the poo it stepped in) into my mouth.
When Maren Morris, Jason Aldean's wife, and Carly Pearce got into it about trans rights on Twitter, I questioned the extent to which celebrities are actually helpful, and what I wished Morris would do now that this particular platform had been thrust upon her.
Reader, in her Billboard cover story this week, she hit every nail on the head. Morris used her space to host a round table with drag queens (and one king,) discussing the political and actual dangers they are in, focusing on their experiences, and creating space to discuss allyship and material support for the drag and trans communities. And she looked pretty cute in Willie Nelson drag. Not only that, but she leaves us with this kicker:
I don’t think any of us got into this art form to be an activist, but that’s ultimately thrust upon you to exist in this space and to feel like you can sleep at night. You’re going to lose fans along the way — that is just part and parcel of being public-facing. But there is a lane that you’re widening; I see it year over year at my shows, the crowd feels so diverse and so safe. I know everyone likes money, but is it worth your biography saying that you never picked a side because both sides pay money to buy a T-shirt?
-- Maren Morris in Billboard Magazine
People grow and I hope others follow in Morris' footsteps to become well-educated on political issues and actively give their platforms to others!
Here's what's new on the site this week!
Interviews
Trans country singer Julian Talamantez Brolanski interviewed Melissa Carper. You can read part of the interview here, but the rest is accessible on the Patreon
Staci B interviews ISMAY about life as a musician and appearing on Apple TV's My Kind of Country. Articles like this are only possible with your donations!
Reviews
This appeared in the newsletter in February, but it will be reprinted in issue 3! Here, Adeem the Artist reviews Jaimee Harris' stunning Boomerang Town.
Essays
Steacy Easton, who just published their book Why Tammy Wynette Matters, interrogates Dolly's motives in the queer community. You can read an excerpt here, but you'll have to donate to the issue 3 fundraiser to get the rest! It's already riled some feathers, so read it and weigh in!
Playlist
You can find this week's Rainbow Ruckus here!
Rainbow Roundup
You can find this week's queer country news and artist resources here.