Big Gay Closet

Newsy.com asks: Will Chely Wright’s fans listen to a lesbian?

with 2 comments

I can’t say I know a lot of country music fans, but some of you will. I can’t help but remember how things went for Ellen when she came out. She’d been such a huge star and in the fourth season of her own television show, and a couple years later was unemployable.

How big a risk did Chely take in coming out? Could she end up like Ellen did?

And did she only come out now to promote her book and her CD both which were released today — the day before her intended coming out? Cynical publicity stunt, or pre-empting the CD and book launch questions?

You might find these interesting too:

1. Queerty asks: Did Howard Bragman & Chely Wright have a responsibility to closeted celebs?
2. TMZ says singer Chely Wright is May 5th Mystery Gay
3. Newly out Chely Wright: “I had a gun in my mouth”

2 Responses to 'Newsy.com asks: Will Chely Wright’s fans listen to a lesbian?'

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1. It’s a good question. Things have certainly changed in the last 13-or-so years since Ellen came out; it used to be common knowledge that you can’t be a major star in the US and openly gay, but now we’re seeing more and more openly LGBT musicians, actors, characters in mainstream shows, LGBT-themed shows on major networks, LOGO, etc.

   Then again, country music is a bit different. I remember when Dan Seals came out with his song titled “We Are One” – with a music video that showed *gasp!* children of different races and backgrounds (especially black & white) playing together, and he was criticised heavily for it. This was the early 90s, but I can’t imagine it’s any easier for people of colour to achieve much success in that industry, never mind LGBT folks. We’re talking about a fanbase that is largely made up of Bible-thumping, Sara Palin-loving WASPs. Will it hurt Chely? Probably, and that’s unfortunate. The fact that she’s a (very femme-y) woman *might* help… but I dunno… time will tell, I guess.

   I don’t think she only came out to promote her book and CD, but I’m still annoyed by the whole “Cinco De Gayo” hype. If you’re going to come out, then just come out. Turning it into the worst-kept secret announcement of all time just cheapens it by making it look like a grab for attention. I can’t help but compare it to Jennifer Knapp’s coming out last month. She, too, had a CD coming out – but her no-holds-barred method was a lot classier. IMHO.

   

   outoutout

   5 May 10 at 01:06
2. I think it’ll be interesting what she says in her interviews tomorrow.

   

   CanuckJacq

   5 May 10 at 01:44

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