’90s Country Star Shares Challenges After Coming Out as Gay

Chely Wright, known for hits like “Single White Female,” recently reflected on her experience as country music’s first openly gay artist. She described coming out as her most proud achievement, yet one that forced her to face tough personal sacrifices.

Wright explained that she wanted to be honest about her identity—faithful, Midwest-born, a supporter of the troops, and a lover of traditional country music—while embracing her sexuality. However, she admitted that revealing her truth meant risking the disapproval of fans and industry peers. “I wanted to be accepted, but letting go of that desire was liberating,” she said.

Her decision to come out was heavily influenced by her battle with suicidal thoughts in 2006. She felt she had no choice but to share her story, fearing her career might be destroyed if her sexuality became public. Wright closely observed icons like Ellen DeGeneres and Melissa Etheridge, whose openness inspired her to live authentically.

She spent four years preparing to reveal her identity, finally coming out in her 2010 memoir, “Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer.” Initially, her honesty brought threats and hate messages, but it also opened doors for her to engage in cultural and diversity initiatives directed at corporations, educational institutions, and faith communities.

Despite stepping back from the music industry—she now works as Senior VP at ISS—Wright remains passionate about her musical pursuits. She is currently working on a musical based on her life, with actress Jean Smart acquiring the rights. Wright is confident she will create more music, reaffirming that singing is an inseparable part of her identity.