From ally to proudly part of the LGBTQ+ family, Maren Morris has always held a special place in our hearts.
On June 9, the Grammy-winning artist took to Instagram, sharing photos from her Phoenix stop on the RSVP Redux Tour. Among the snaps was a picture of Morris waving a Pride Progress flag, accompanied by the caption: “Happy to be the B in LGBTQ+. Happy pride 🌈.”
Embracing Her Queerness
While we hope for a time when coming out isn’t headline news, sharing these stories still provides crucial representation, especially within the country music scene.
This is Morris’s first public declaration of her bisexuality, but she has long been a vocal ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Her support has sometimes sparked controversy.
In 2023, Morris had to clarify rumors about leaving country music entirely due to its toxic elements. “That was the headline,” Morris said on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. “Actually, what I said was I’m leaving behind the toxic parts. I want to take the good parts with me.”
Turning Insults into Advocacy
In 2022, Morris turned an insult from Fox News host Tucker Carlson into a powerful advocacy campaign. Carlson had called her a “lunatic country music person” after she criticized Brittany Kerr Aldean, wife of country star Jason Aldean, for a transphobic Instagram post. Aldean had joked about being thankful her parents didn’t change her gender during her tomboy phase, prompting backlash from Morris and other artists.
In response to Carlson’s insult, Morris launched a line of T-shirts emblazoned with “Maren Morris Lunatic Country Music Person” and the phone number for the Trans Lifeline’s hotline. The campaign has raised over $150,000 for Trans Lifeline and GLAAD’s Transgender Media Program.
Pushing for Inclusivity
Morris’s commitment to inclusivity was further highlighted during her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked in January 2023. “Coming from country music and its relationship with LGBTQ+ members, I just want to say I’m sorry,” she told contestants. “And I love you guys for making me feel like a brave voice in country music. So, I just thank you guys so much for inspiring me.”
We love you, Maren!
More Stories: