The Forward Roll
The Gay Ole Opry: Country Music for All Cowpeople
By creating their own space to celebrate themselves and the music they loved, they knew they could influence that culture and create new communities from people that had previously felt excluded.
TBT: Lavender Country
Wakin' up to say hip hip hooray I'm glad I'm gay
Can't repress my happiness ever since I tried your way
Gonna lay right here and greet the sun
'Cause gay time lovin's just begun
So come on, let's tumble in the hay -- Lavender Country, "Come Out Singing"
Representation Matters: Niki Savage on the Importance of Bluegrass Pride
People get really excited when they hear bluegrass, and even more excited when they realize it's music that they can create themselves. I think demonstrating that it's an open, welcoming community based on passion for the music will help people see themselves as someone who could play bluegrass.
A Traditional Revolution: How Sam Gleaves Is Changing Roots Music
To tell you the truth, I don’t want to fight I just want to say one thing outright to you
Ain’t we flesh and blood all through
And ain’t we brothers too? -- Sam Gleaves (feat. Tim O'Brien), "Ain't We Brothers?"
Will the Circle Be Unbroken? How Bluegrass and LGBT Culture are Intertwined