Nashville Chilly to Gay Singer Chely Wright

Chely Wright IMG_0252Chely Wright, who this year became the first prominent C&W artist to openly declare her homosexuality, says public reaction to her decision by the Nashville establishment has been muted at best. A number of country performers “supported me immediately in private, but only two have come forward publicly: Mary Chapin Carpenter and SHeDAISY,” Wright said at a reception Saturday at Dallas’ Black Tie Dinner, a big annual gay fundraiser where she was given the Media Award. “Nevertheless, I’m happy. It was a good decision for me.”

The 40-year-old Wright (pictured in photo by Jeanne Prejean) said she’d known she was a lesbian since she was 9. But she dated guys including C&W star Brad Paisley and scored a big hit called “Single White Female” (”Lookin’ for a Man Like You”) before coming out in May. She blamed Nashville’s reticence about her announcement on the record-label bosses–and she’s probably right. If so, though, you have to wonder whether the “suits” aren’t badly misreading the willingness of country fans to accept gay artists, especially those fans in their teens, 20s and 30s.

43 comments

  1. Or, just as likely, Chely Wright hasn’t been relevant in Country music since the late 90’s and no one cares about Chely Wright regardless of her sexual orientation. Now she’s trying to make a story out of something because it was a non-story when she broke the story.

    @ 1:07 pm on November 8, 2010
  2. @smithdrew: Not “relevant” in country music? Maybe so, but couldn’t you say the same about the Ronnie Milsaps and Kenny Rogerses of the world? They both continue to tour. In her defense Wright’s had 15 charted singles and multiple albums, including ones put out in 2005 and 2010 (Rodney Crowell produced) with songs that made the indy and Americana charts. She’s also written hits for Clay Walker and others.

    @ 2:21 pm on November 8, 2010
  3. Kenny Rogers is signed by Capital Nashville. He’s in good company over there with Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, and countless other popular mainstream Country artists. Even Ronnie Milsap’s most recent studio album (admittingly, a greatest hits compilation) was released by Sony BMG. Those two guys might be well past their prime, but they are still “relevant.” (In Kenny’s case, it has to be the rockin beard because his music is rubbish.)

    I think I’m veering away from what my point should have been, though. On the same day she releases her new Rodney Crowell produced indy album, she reveals a life of being a closet lesbian. That’s all well and good, but it smells an awful lot like a way to generate publicity for an otherwise irrelevant album. It’s always been my impression that those in the LGBT community just wanted to be accepted. No fuss, no commotion, just be treated like everyone else. Now, the Country music world shrugs when Chely Wright comes out and somehow it’s a slight? Making a story of a non-story…

    @ 2:51 pm on November 8, 2010
  4. I have to agree with smithdew. If Nashville had snubbed her or record labels had dropped her, there would be a story. What we have above is no one in country music caring who she goes to bed with. How is that a bad thing? In fact I am more likely to view it as a positive sign of progress. If even the C&W crowd doesn’t get riled up when you come out of the closet that is a huge step forward.

    @ 2:07 pm on November 8, 2010
  5. @smithdew: are you gay? do you know what it is like to hold a secret like being gay for the majority of your life? Did you attend the Black Tie Dinner on Saturday night? I certainly was there listening to Chely’s fantastic and gracious speech and as a gay person, I can tell you that calling her “not relevant” and “using this as a publicity stunt” is an idiotic (and quite frankly offensive) thing to say. Yes, her announcement probably did coincide with her album release. As well as the appearances on Oprah, Ellen etc. That’s why she has a publicist. All celebrities do it. Maybe the pressure of holding a personal secret like being gay in tandem with the launch of a new album and book was too much and she wanted to be free of the stress. Her family clearly supports her, so maybe she was finally ready to let everyone else know. She also has a girlfriend (whom she publicly acknowledged on Saturday) so it is possible that she did made the announcement 6 months ago b/c she didn’t want to hide anymore. If you are gay, then maybe you can understand this. But whether you like Chely (personally or musically) or even know how “relevant” she is, why do you have to diminish her attempt at creating some positive awareness that being gay is okay. If it helps just one person, then she did a good job. I’d love to know if you were at that dinner on Saturday or not. If not then maybe you should keep your comments to yourself.

    @ 3:35 pm on November 8, 2010
  6. @JM

    You need to make up your mind. On the one hand you criticise me for implying that the release of a new album (after a five year hiatus, no less) and the announcement of homosexuality might have been a failed attempt to garner publicity. On the other, you excuse the attempt to garner publicity as business as usual because “That’s why she has a publicist. All celebrities do it.” It was either a publicity stunt or it wasn’t.

    But, your musings don’t fundamentally change my first argument. This is taken straight from the GLAAD website: “GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality.” No one in country music publicially denounced Chely Wright for her decision to come out. They also didn’t shower her with support and flowers. If I had to make an assessment of the situation, most people dismissed it because a person’s sexual preferences ARE NOT IMPORTANT. That is what I would think of as understanding, acceptance, and equality. Now that there wasn’t an uproar of either support or dismissal, somehow the execs in Nashville are reticent? The execs don’t care, they dropped her from their labels in ‘03.

    If you actually take the time to read this entire rant of mine, please understand one thing. I never implied that Ms. Chely Wright is somehow irrelevant as an INDIVIDUAL. I implied it only as an artist. That being said, the decision to come out at the age of 40 is admirable and probably a very scary endeavor. But continuing to prod the subject once everyone has absorbed it and the issue is dead is yet another attempt to garner the publicity that the original announcement and/or album couldn’t.

    @ 4:08 pm on November 8, 2010
  7. I agree with smithdew also, i’m a big country fan and every story about her has come across as a person who’s upset her coming out hasn’t kick started her career. And no, she’s not very relevant in country music and hasn’t been for a while, sorry if that upsets some people, but it happens to be the truth. There’s a lot of straight people who have had hits in the past who aren’t very relevant in country music now either, that’s just how it goes.

    @ 4:15 pm on November 8, 2010
  8. I’d like to say, speaking as a heterosexual male, that this news is VERY disappointing. She is some kind of gorgeous.

    @ 4:50 pm on November 8, 2010
  9. @mm: Like you ever stood a chance.

    Seriously, you never stood a chance.

    @ 5:52 pm on November 8, 2010
  10. smithdrew has a valid point and one that was covered by most gay blogs when Ms Wright first came out. Her PR firm tried to make a huge deal about a “big” star coming out. So it might have been more of a proper expectation moment. She certainly didn’t have the impact that a Ricky Martin, Elton John or Ellen had. I suspect she might have used the LGBTQ community, much in the way that Obama has. While she has a great voice, she is no k d lang.

    @ 6:52 pm on November 8, 2010
  11. It’s only acceptable to be a lesbo if you’re hot.

    @ 8:53 pm on November 8, 2010
  12. I would think the same rule would apply to breeders.

    @ 10:07 pm on November 8, 2010
  13. I’m gay and completely agree with smithdew. Not that I think you have to be gay to have a valid opinion on this (non) issue.

    @ 7:22 am on November 9, 2010
  14. Can I just say to @smithdew – it was not Chely, but the writer who chose to take one small part of what I’m sure was a very engaged and interesting talk by Chely make the fact that Nashville snubbed her the point of the story because this is CMA week and the WRITER wanted to make THAT relevant. And I interviewed and met Chely recently myself, and if you paid attention, her book and CD and coming out DID coincide on purpose; her book tells her story, her CD has songs that refer to women for the first time – both of them were part of her coming out process. She has had a non-profit (Reading, Writing and Rhythm) for 10 years and she’s always had a huge benefit just before the ACMs in Nashville in June. Every year all of hre colleagues supported the event, promoted it, attended it, and it has sold out. This past June was the first time it did not sell out, only 2 singers promoted it, and none of her country music colleagues would take turns in the media tent helping her promote it as they had all 9 prior years. So don’t tell me that is progress. Why do people spout off when they really have no knowledge of a subject?

    @ 10:36 am on November 10, 2010
  15. Smithdew…I just have one thing to say to you…If you don’t like the fact that a strong confident beautiful woman is doing what is best for her in her life, then you should probably stop posting on this site. I am also a lesbian woman and if I were in Chely’s shoes, there is no way that i would use my sexuality to further my career. Southerners who have been raised with manners and a huge heart would not do something like that. The fact of the matter is this, Chely came out to stop lieing to herself, family, and friends. You try living a life and not be who you really are because you’re afraid of the fallback that it will have on your career and personal life. Maybe you should check out the statistics of suicides of gays & lesbians compared to straight people. I am all for freedom of speech, but when you’re words are hurtful, mean, and just plain wrong you should probably keep your mouth shut. If you think that being gay is a choice, well you thought way wrong….Did you choose to be straight? I’m sure you didn’t. Why would anyone choose to be beat up, tortured, killed and made fun of because of who we love? They simply wouldn’t. Next time you decide to post something about Chely Wright and the decision she made to come out, think about the kid who’s sitting next to you who is probably also gay, but closeted, and too afraid to come out for fear of being ostracized by schoolmates, teachers, family and society. Without support and people like Chely who have the guts to do what she did, us gays and lesbians wouldn’t be as comfortable as we are about coming out. Thank you Chely for being you!!! I love you, your music and appreciate the inspiration that you’ve given to gays & lesbians all over teh world. So smithdew, I say this..step up off because Chely has more supporters than you ever will.

    @ 10:40 am on November 10, 2010
  16. Have been a fan of CW for years but her coming out party and wanting to talk to Brad P about their past relationship is crazy
    No one cares about her private life just her music. I think she’s angry cause no one made a big deal about it but her. Some local artist chatted with her in private..what does she expect from folks? Being openly gay is about a big deal as going to McDonald’s now days.

    @ 10:43 am on November 10, 2010
  17. Will everyone just shut up, Homosexuals are NOT welcomed in this world, they all should just go away, very very far away, and leave us NORMAL people (Breeders) alone and let us breed in peace. Remember if it weren’t for a breeder, then there wouldn’t be any homosexuals, AND stop trying to make people think you are born that way, it is a choice, everyone has choices, and you choose to be what you are.

    @ 10:50 am on November 10, 2010
  18. What constitutes being “relevant” in country music or any other genre? Is it simply the level of sales? Chely has always written, and continues to write, very special songs. I will concede that overall, I think Metropolitan Hotel is stronger than Lifted Off The Ground, but the new one is still definitely worth the money, and better than many recent albums by artists who sell more than Chely.

    @ 11:03 am on November 10, 2010
  19. The very first comment hit the nail on the head and that guy has got it right. I’d also like to add that Chely has not been popular in country since Single White Female. That is a long time….
    Also, I thought K T Lang was the first country lesbo so why is Chely claiming to be the first openly gay country lesbo? I don’t get it.
    Doesn’t Melissa Etheridge represent enough? Point is, we already have outted country lesbians, she isn’t the first and Chely is just trying to get publicity for mediocre music.

    @ 11:04 am on November 10, 2010
  20. The issue isn’t that her songs haven’t been played on coutry music radio, the issue is that she has heard from hardly anyone in the country music industry regarding finally coming out. The reason for it is that it’s still considered taboo in Nashville despite the fact many gay people are involved in the industry but still publicly pretend not to be, some even marry to cover it up (this includes Christian music too, it’s well known here). The country music industry is known for close ties between artists, even ones that haven’t had a hit for a long time. How sad that some people have expressed private support but won’t say it publicly, I know it’s out of fear it will somehow harm their careers. It’s so ridiculous in this day & age to continue this lying when so many know that there already ARE top gay artists in country music and always have been. Isn’t part of the charm of country music that it’s supposed to be genuine? Over the last few months with the rash of gay teen suicides due to bullying, how can people be silent about their support of Chely? Seriously, if top well-respected artists vocalized their support of her it could have a very positive effect, kids respect these people and listen to them and it might help stop some of this violence & bullying from happening. How much money do these people need? Wouldn’t it be better to be honest, get more dialogue going and possibly save some lives & help people in the process?

    @ 11:23 am on November 10, 2010
  21. Well said Dave – thanks!

    @ 11:44 am on November 10, 2010
  22. Iam like 90 percent of America, I dont care what someone does in the privacy of their bedroom. It should be a non issue. But the mere fact Chely is making this her cause to have America accept it as a viable lifestyle is not going to happen. If she wants to live that way ok, but dont push it down my throat! If it is personal and private like my sex life is , please stop making it so darn public. I tell you Country Music folk will push back if she persists. That is the straight ones will. The others live in their world and we dont care , they go about their business and I do mine. Ever since she went over and advertised it, it has all been about SEXUAL PREFERENCE. If she is a Country Music Star , make it about MUSIC !

    @ 12:11 pm on November 10, 2010
  23. I’m a major Chely fan since she first appeared on the country scene. Her music has always be entertaining, and thought provoking, I’ve even found some of her songs to be disturbing. I have purchased all of her albums, and even have a few signed copies, but Chely has never been a heavy driving force in Country Music like Reba, Taylor and a few of the others that can go by just one name. But, she has opened my eyes to a different way of thinking.
    I’ve never really given the gay / lesbian thing a lot of thought being a heterosexual man, but Chely’s book was very enlightening. I came away with a different understanding of what it must be like to be gay in today’s world. It’s almost like there is a 3rd or 4th gender that we have maligned and ignored in some way. As a young boy I remember how I felt girls had “Cooties” and would pick on them. Chely has brought a few people like myself to a new realization, You all don’t have cooties…. You’re just different than me. Don’t make you bad, don’t make you wrong, just different. And that’s a good thing…

    @ 12:16 pm on November 10, 2010
  24. @Spot: You said, “Doesn’t Melissa Etheridge represent enough?” I wasn’t aware there was a quota. That’s like saying there’s one or two black people on TV, isn’t that enough? It doesn’t (or at least *shouldn’t*) work that way. If Chely wants to be true to who she is, then that’s exactly what she should do. Just because some people don’t like it, doesn’t mean she shouldn’t do it. What she did took a lot of courage.

    I’m so tired of some people saying that since they don’t like/agree with something someone does, then they shouldn’t do it simply because they said so. Why can’t we let people live their lives without trying to force them to fit into neat little boxes? Because nobody fits into those boxes. We all have something about us which others might find strange or weird or contrary to their beliefs, and so on.

    Oh, and it’s kd lang, and she abandoned the country label a long time ago.

    @ 12:18 pm on November 10, 2010
  25. Several of the people posting on here have absolutely no idea what they’re talking about. As Chely has said, coming out wasn’t the publicity stunt, if anything, staying in the closet for the previous 20 years was the *publicity stunt*. You only show your incredible ignorance by asserting that somehow the relevance of Chely’s coming out has something to do with how recent her last hit album was…it’s astounding to me that you think you have any say over how she lives her life simply because she doesn’t fit into the narrow-minded little view you have of what and who a country music singer should look like and be.

    Your terribly dense and uneducated comments perfectly illustrate exactly why Chely choosing to come out in the manner she did–with the memoir, interviews, advocacy, album–was a profound act of strength, self-respect, self-preservation and done with compassion for others across the country who can identify with her. It was necessary not to try to sell more albums but rather to give herself the opportunity to live life in the truth and honesty she deserves. Others in the country music business/scene haven’t shown support not because she isn’t relevant, but because they are scared of losing fans and lack the moral character to stand up for what is right in the face of their pursuit of the almighty dollar.

    I would offer counterpoints for each of your ignorant statements, but I don’t have the time and I tend not to engage with people who hold points of view similar to “the world is flat.” Of course being gay is not a choice. However being unenlightened, cruel and irresponsible with one’s words most certainly is.

    @ 12:18 pm on November 10, 2010
  26. She is very relevent. To LGBT country music fans…we find her EXTREMELY relevent! For people who have been her fans from day one..she is very relevent. To the LGBT community AT LARGE she is very relevent and respected! I believe everyone deserves respect. Her coming out might not mean anything to “some” people. And that’s is perfectly fine. But to say that her story does not matter or it is not news is so extremely disrespectful. Have you not seen all the gay teen suicides the past couple of months. Coming out as a gay individual is like putting your life one the line! Wether it is news to you or not…she deserves respect!

    @ 12:23 pm on November 10, 2010
  27. @Craig Edelmann: But if someone like Brad Paisley appeared in a magazine with a woman at his side in a photo, people wouldn’t think twice about it. If someone like Chely Wright had a woman by her side in a photo, then people would freak. It is an issue because people make it an issue.

    Should she hide who she is because you don’t want to see it? Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. Can you imagine what it would be like to have to pretend to be something you’re not just so you won’t make others uncomfortable, or be the subject of ridicule or possible violence?

    @ 12:25 pm on November 10, 2010
  28. @Vern Wow, wonderful comments. Thank you for posting.

    @ 12:25 pm on November 10, 2010
  29. AMEN to what Vern said; different is not bad or wrong – it’s just different! I admire Chely’s courage.

    The fact that the 2010 Reading, Writing, and Rhythm concert was not sold out and not as many artists supported it as in previous years was very telling as to the feelings of the music industry on her announcement, ESPECIALLY since special attention was being given to Kingston Springs Elementary School, a school that was destroyed by the flooding back in May.

    So please, smithdrew, don’t say that the fact that there was no outcry or denouncement is progress. No, Nashville didn’t shower her with flowers; that is a fact. However, what do you think would have happened if they had? Maybe if some teenagers could have seen that reaction, they could have a bit of peace about themselves and not feel so tortured inside.

    As for kd lang, she’s not country. Period.

    @ 1:24 pm on November 10, 2010
  30. Chely Wright is a true humanitarian.

    @ 1:48 pm on November 10, 2010
  31. Homosexuality is a preference? Science has proven it is not a preference but inate within a person. There is also proof that in the wild there are animals that are homosexual. Being gay is normal; it is a small minority of the population, but normal.

    As for Chely Wright being relevant in Nashville, what is relevant? These days it is not coming out with a platinum album. Many artists can sell two or three platinum albums and if the next one doesn’t go platinum, they get dropped by their label.

    Why didn’t she go platinum anymore? It probably had something to do with the whispers which were going around Nashville about her for a while, which reached radio and she was to some extent blacklisted from getting airplay.

    To the person who said KD Lang was the first country artist to come out as a lesbian, by the time KD Lang came out she had pretty much left the country music format. Chely was still in the format.

    @ 3:20 pm on November 10, 2010
  32. I find Chely Wright very relevant if for the simple fact that we all got to see the courage that she displayed when coming out. She showed us her fears, lose, hope, and wishes and I for one have never seen a woman more beautiful. She absolutely glows. Her new album is AMAZING! We have the privilege of listening to HER journey. Who shares that kind of truth. Not many people, these days. She should be more popular than ever on country radio. Unfortunately, she is not and I find that to be their lose.

    @ 3:30 pm on November 10, 2010
  33. Well as someone that knew Chely before she went to Nashville, She has always been very nice and caring of others all her life. She comes from a very good family. So for her to feel that she had to come out and tell her story then good for her. I dont think of her differently. She is who she is and no one should look down on her or anyone else that is gay. People should not judge others. What all of us should think of is that she is out there helping others and living her life to the fullest. Admire her dont condem her.

    @ 3:34 pm on November 10, 2010
  34. I never heard of Chely Wright before but her coming out news brought me to her work. Of course she had to come out and promote her book and new album at the same time, because the book tells of her struggles to hide herself her whole life and why she decided to come out. As she mentioned one of the reasons of her coming out is that she has an obligation to do so for all the young gay people. So what she hasn’t been relevant in country music in the last few years. She already has fans from way back and it will make a difference to them and somebody like me who appreciates her honesty to this world. Furthermore, her new album is not a country album, but it showcases her talent as a musician, a mature one even. It doesn’t matter what you think of her, she’s moved on and is doing the work that matters to her most. I for one support her.

    @ 3:53 pm on November 10, 2010
  35. I’ve read Chely’s book and I commend her for writing it. I exposes C&W music as the bigoted, hateful people they are. If you’re not waving an American flag, gun, or pro life sign you’re not worthy to sing their kind of music. I hope Chely moves to another genre of music like pop–she’d be great! I used to enjoy some C&W music, but now that I got a glimse of what they’re like behind closed doors–I’m done with it. In my opinion, She outed them!!

    @ 4:06 pm on November 10, 2010
  36. Smith dew who stated:
    “No one in country music publicially denounced Chely Wright for her decision to come out. They also didn’t shower her with support and flowers. If I had to make an assessment of the situation, most people dismissed it because a person’s sexual preferences ARE NOT IMPORTANT.”

    Oh you smooth talker…if only what you said was true…I suppose you took a poll of “most people”. Truth is, we don’t need your “assessment” of the situation because you are writing under the impression that you are the voice of Nashiville. People on here say that 90% of people accept this…If that were true this would not even be a debate because we would be living in country with different laws than today…Clearly, polls show there is still PLENTY of ignorance out there…You are over simplifying…wishful thinking…I wish it were true though…Your quickness to chalk this up to a non issue is probably more to do with you sick of hearing about gay issues…you think it whining…well it is quite personal to others…

    @ 10:34 pm on November 10, 2010
  37. @Josh and everyone else who prefers to call me a bigot rather than actually pay attention to what I was trying to say

    First off, I never said or implied that being gay was a choice. Somehow my comments got misconstrued and I was lambasted for saying that being gay was a choice. I’m not gay so I don’t get to make that call. But I know I like women. If I just inherently liked men better, then I can’t necessarily say that was my choice, can I?

    Second, I asked one of my close friends (who – gasp! – happens to be gay) to read my comments. Oddly enough, he agreed with me. So there. My highly scientific sampling of gay people shows that I’m not a bigot.

    Last, what people do in the privacy of their bedrooms is just that – private. I fully support whatever decisions people make because, frankly, it’s none of my business. Life’s too damn short to run around hating people because they’re a different color or because they like playing with body parts they themselves have. If it makes you happy, then by all means, go for it. It seems to me that if you want to take up something as your “cause” then you should devote yourself to that cause. But don’t use the cause as a means to make a buck selling albums. It’s disingenuous at best.

    That being said (and my ignorant all things hating bigot mind didn’t bother to look this up)if the purpose of the entire rouse was to sell albums for which the monetary proceeds would actually go straight to the cause, ok. Not disingenuous.

    Surprisingly, no one has mentioned Kenny Chesney in this entire thread. All I will say is this: Back when Chely Wright was relevant (my words) I was working in Country radio. Even back then, Kenny Chesney’s sexuality was considered the industry’s worst kept secret. I don’t know if he’s gay or not but a whole heck of a lot of people in the industry seemed to think so. No one ever turned him down because he could draw a crowd and he sell a record.

    @ 12:04 pm on November 11, 2010
  38. First off lets start with JM: I wasn’t there at the black tie event in Dallas but I did see her speech. Why do you act like you had to be there to comment?

    You are incorrect on so many issues. Yes, this was all a publicity stunt to sell a book/album. You can’t deny that it wasn’t. And with all the press: Oprah/CNN/People etc she didn’t sell that many albums & or books. I think part of her anger now stems from the fact that the LGBT community didn’t rush out and buy her product.

    If it wasn’t a publicity stunt all tied to new product then why wasn’t an annoucenment made years ago? Why not come out to a newspaper or something else when product wasn’t on the line. The whole “coming out” was orchastrated to coincide with not one but 2 products (book & cd).

    She also keeps up the nonsense about being the first in country music. That is false on so many levels. Including recently one of the members of Sugarland. She was openly gay. It was no secret. But Chely keeps up the act like “she’s the first”.

    She never came out when she had something to lose. It didn’t take courage to come out when a rash of other celebrities have and seen career resurgances. That’s all this was about IMO. If she were still relevant in country music, she would have stayed quiet.

    But she hadn’t had a real hit since SWF (back in 1999).

    Now all Chely can say is the false line about people say being gay is a “sin”. Who says that? She doesn’t say that no one would care if she were gay and lived a celibate lifestyle.

    But then if you read her book, I don’t think she ever acted like sleeping around with Brad or other guys (outside of marriage) was a sin either.

    Morgan–what you failed to mention several things about Chely’s RW&R party. For starters, most of those years it was held at the Wildhorse.

    This years was by far the weakest lineup:
    this year’s artists participating include Rodney Crowell, Chely Wright, SheDaisy, Jedd Hughes, Justin Moore, Bucky Covington, Sarah Buxton and JAnn Arden.

    Not exactly the Rascal Flatts, Martina, Trisha Yearwood etc of the past.

    She also constantly attacks the Nashville artists for not rushing out to her defense. But I don’t blame the Nashville community. She made Brad Paisley come across as a “stalker” in her book. She didn’t have to name names but she went ahead and did it.

    Also, worst of all is how she through John Rich under the bus. A guy who had supported her, shown up at her charity events etc.

    Odd how she didn’t want to name names of any of her past girlfriends etc (because of the damage it might do them) but she didn’t mind making Brad look like an idiot or John Rich a bigot etc.

    @ 1:49 am on November 13, 2010
  39. I’m not concerned about whether she’s straight or gay, I’m concerned about her utter self-absorption and lack of respect for her former partners. It is utterly classless to describe intimate details about former partners, especially when they now are happily married with children. There was no reason to give such specific and intimate details about her sex life with Brad Paisley except that she was trying to pump up her story for book sales since is one of the most powerful (and respected) men in country music. This woman’s lack of character saddens me and I wouldn’t think she would be someone that the gay and lesbian community would want as a representative.

    @ 11:35 pm on November 14, 2010
  40. Chely’s “coming out” was nothing more than a failed attempt to jump start a flatlined career and to sell her book and new CD. And now that her BIG BRAVE STRATEGY has backfired, she’s bitching about how no one is bowing down to her and throwing roses at her feet. Clearly, she’s an attention whore who misses the spotlight and will hog on to every opportunity to keep her name in the public eye. Too bad her music couldn’t do it on it’s own merit.

    And if anyone wants to bash me and my views, the line forms to the right and I will direct you to forward your comments to my middle finger.

    @ 4:54 am on November 15, 2010
  41. Funny that Wade Hayes can get busted soliciting male prostitutes, yet never admit he is gay and the country music industry turns a blind eye.

    For all those people thinking this was just a publicity stunt to generate music sales, Chely is savy enough to know that coming out was not going to be a career boost in country music.

    @ 2:36 pm on November 19, 2010
  42. I was just curious about the attention or lack there of regarding Chely’s coming out and curious to how she was handling it all. I have throughly enjoy all the post especially those who feel as though Chely has somehow been slighted by the music community she now blast due to their lack of support. I think it has been made very clear she did all this with a carefully planned strategy, which has proven to be a huge disaster. For her to say ( as do most gay and lesbians) in the beginning that she just wants to live a life and been seen equal and not be judged is ridicules given her recent comments! When you come out crying and looking for hugs and love and support then release a book that bashes others in the business who give so much on a daily basis makes it hard for them to be a cheerleader while they’re trying to pull the knife out of their back. Im not judging her because shes gay and just wants to accepted for her talent and as an individual. It just makes it hard to block out all her whining about ( but Im the first lesbian country singer too)! So which is it? She wants to be accepted as an entertainer, or she wants to be accepted as a gay entertainer? If its the later then I believe we should start a gay and lesbian country chart and her singles will be guaranteed a spot in the top 5 every time she releases a new one…… FYI for Casprd It was Ty Herndon not Wade Hayes …who might very well want to kick you A$% for that little bit of misinformation!!!

    @ 11:20 pm on December 3, 2010
  43. I’ve lived in Nashville my entire life, and because of that I’ve managed to have many friends in and out of the music industry. Let me tell you that there are Quite a few Gay and Lesbian country STARS. But you see, here in Nashville, No one cares. Nashville is a very liberal town.. Music row and the small towns are not. So the underground music scene and gay scene is Large. But we aren’t going to out Country singers who aren’t ready to come out. Even though, as Chely recently said. They could be our HEROES. “WHERE ARE OUR HEROES?”.

    @ 12:57 pm on December 21, 2010

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