Garth Brooks Has Openly Supported LGBTQ+ Rights Since His Early Days in Music
By Katie GarrityJun. 13 2023, Updated 12:00 p.m. ET
When the news got here out in early 2021 that artists like John Legend, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez were performing at Joe Biden's inauguration, no one batted an eye fixed. After all, maximum of Hollywood and the track industry lean left. However, one title at the invoice for the inauguration had some folks scratching their heads at the time: country tune legend Garth Brooks.
On that observe, what can we find out about Garth Brooks's political affiliation? Here's what the musician has mentioned about it through the years.
What is Garth Brooks's political affiliation? He stated he's a Republican.
In a January 2021 press conference ahead of Biden's inauguration, Garth joked, "I might be the only Republican at this place, but it’s about reaching across and loving one another.”
"The message they're pushing is team spirit, and that is the reason proper down my alley, man," he added. "If we're gonna get anywhere we are gonna get there together."
Though Garth is a confirmed Republican, Joe Biden was not the first Democratic leader he has played for. He also performed at President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009. Save for Ronald Reagan, Garth has performed for every U.S. president since Jimmy Carter, though not at every inauguration.
Garth Brooks turned down the chance to play at President Trump’s inauguration.
Garth Brooks was met with much praise and also some criticism when he declined the invitation to perform at President Donald Trump's inauguration. "I'll let you know with this complete presidential factor, we were given one going out: pray for him and his family," he said in January 2017. "And for the president going in, pray for him and his circle of relatives to guide this country. Let's stay in combination. Love, solidarity — that's what it's all about."
He continued, "We can not thank the Obamas enough for serving this nation. And would possibly God hold Trump's hand within the decisions that he makes on this country's name as smartly."
Ultimately, though, Garth's reason for not performing wasn't political. His tour schedule conflicted with the date of the inauguration.
Garth Brooks has been an open supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.
Garth has openly supported LGBTQ+ rights, from his music (most notably his 1992 song "We Shall Be Free," which denounced homophobia, among other topics) to his performances (he played the Equality Rights benefit for Gay Rights in Washington, D.C., in 2000).
In June 2023, following the firestorm from Budweiser's collaboration with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney earlier in the year, Garth alluded to the backlash by noting that all beers would be served at his upcoming Nashville bar, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky Tonk, located in the city's South Broadway District.
Garth Brooks has been openly supportive of gay rights since the 90s I have no idea where all these people pissed at him for playing Biden’s inauguration have been
— CJ Woodling (@CJWoodling) January 18, 2021Garth told a Billboard reporter that he wanted the honky-tonk to be "a spot you're feeling safe in" as well as "a spot where you feel like there are manners and other folks like one some other."
"And yes, we are going to serve every brand of beer. We just are," he said. "It's not our determination to make. Our factor is this, when you [are let] into this space, love one another. If you are an a------, there are plenty of other places on lower Broadway."
Garth's comments about the beer caused "a little bit little bit of a stir," as he noted on a Facebook Live on June 13, 2023. But he also doubled down on his earlier statements, saying: "Diversity. Inclusive. That's me. That's all the time been me."
"Everybody's were given their reviews. But inclusiveness is all the time going to be me," he added. "I think diversity is the solution to the problems which can be here and the solution to the issues which can be coming. So, I really like diversity. All inclusive, so all are welcome. I remember that might not be other people's opinions, but that's OK, man. They have their evaluations. They have their ideals. I've mine."
He also noted that it's the customers who will ultimately decide what beer gets served, based on what they ask for. He explained:
"The fact is, it's the ones people in the ones seats that make those selections. And that's what Friends in Low Places is going to be. So this is the deal: If you need to come to Friends in Low Places, are available in, but are available in with love. Come in with tolerance, endurance. Come in with an open mind, and it's cool."
He added: "If you're a type of folks that simply can not do that, I get it. If you ever are a type of those that want to check out it, come. Let's go have some a laugh."
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