Queer Country

Shana Goldin-Perschbacher is an assistant professor of music studies in the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University.

• Acknowledgments viiIntroduction 1CHAPTER ONE: Queer Country and Sincerity 25CHAPTER TWO: Genre Trouble 70CHAPTER THREE: Rurality and Journey as Queer and Trans Musical Narratives 125CHAPTER FOUR: (Mis)representation, Ownership, and Appropriation 153CHAPTER FIVE: Masks, Sincerity, and (Re)claiming Country Music 172Notes 201Discography 229Bibliography 235Index 251

"A dynamic, much-needed read." --Variety "Essential Reading." --No Depression"Dazzling." --Country Queer "An important work." --Washington Blade "Shana Goldin-Perschbacher's examination of the history of the artists that proudly declared their sexuality displays how the fearlessness of earlier generations made things possible for today's artists that previously weren't." --The Boot​"An empathetic and illuminating study, sure to expand country playlists. For scholars interested in queer studies and fans of country music." --Library Journal ​"Thought-provoking. The author offers a number of valuable insights into the music and you find yourself considering the white patriarchy that has dominated most genres of the music industry, but in particular, aspects of roots music, especially country, and how that has worked not only against LGBT musicians but also women, Black artists and other marginalized sections of society. On the surface, this would appear to be a book aimed at a niche market. In fact, it addresses issues that should be important to all of us." --Americana UK "Goldin-Perschbacher's research is meticulous, making the book particularly welcome. . . . Recommended." --Choice "Goldin-Perschbacher uncovers a treasure trove of non-binary and queer artists working in what has long been a conservative, male-dominated field." --Ticketmaster "At this unprecedented moment when queer artists dominate the Americana Awards nominations, Shana Goldin-Perschbacher's Queer Country arrives offering a timely, necessary, and radically fresh perspective on roots music--as a space for expression of sincerity by queer and trans artists." --Nadine Hubbs, author of Rednecks, Queers, and Country Music"Shana Goldin-Perschbacher's Queer Country shines a light on the long-overlooked but persistent and subversive community of queer musicians in country music history. Of course, we have been there all along! Her in-depth explorations into the voice of each musician explored are lively, personal, and emotional depictions. In French, the word for gender is genre. This is no coincidence! Goldin-Perschbacher connects the dots for us in her exploration of many transgender and queer folks playing country music. The connections are sheer magic, obvious at second glance, and very insightful. Discover why transgender artists defy genre--get it? Just because we are queer doesn't mean we are carbon copies. Goldin-Perschbacher allows each of us to share our light in personal, social, and political motifs. We are all unique, but bound to one another in our struggles to liberate country music from its stereotypical and corporate confinements. Queer Country rips the cover off these and exposes the truths that have existed from the beginning."--Patrick Haggerty, recording artist, Lavender Country (1973)