#QueerHeroes Day 23 – Patrick Haggerty
Haggerty was born in 1944 and grew up on a dairy farm in Washington. He came out to his father in 1959. After college, he joined the Peace Corps but was kicked out for being gay.
He was active in the Gay Liberation Front during the 70s, but he’s most famous as the lead guitarist/male vocalist of Lavender Country. Their 1973 debut album was the first unabashedly gay-themed country album. It features such gems as “Cryin’ These Cocksucking Tears” and “Back in the Closet Again.”
This year, the band released its first album since, called Blackberry Rose and Other Songs and Sorrows.
Lavender Country’s music is available on Spotify.
Evan Brechtel 