The article discusses the rising prominence of comedian Caleb Hearon and his admiration for Natalie Maines of The Chicks, particularly during Pride Month. Hearon's childhood in rural Missouri, where female country music icons played a significant role, shaped his understanding of feminism and self-empowerment. He admires Maines for her resilience and outspoken nature, notably her confrontations with public backlash. Her music not only resonated with him personally but also empowered his family, influencing his journey as a proud gay man facing personal struggles.
I grew up in rural Missouri, and the women in my family were always playing country music by women: Jo Dee Messina, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and, of course, The Chicks.
When The Chicks were singing songs about female friendship and saying things like, 'If you put your hands on us we'll kill you,' I could feel the way my family members were emboldened.
She faced a lot of vitriol... there was a real energy when I was growing up about her being perceived as 'ugly.' She was loud and outspoken... it got under people's skin.
I was a little fat closeted gay kid in Missouri, and I remember thinking about Natalie’s bravery and how it gave me the confidence to be true to myself.
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