Brooke Eden, a trailblazing country artist, is embracing a transformative era in country music, one that is increasingly inclusive and diverse. As a queer artist, Eden has experienced firsthand the shift in the industry—a change that she is not only witnessing but actively contributing to. In an exclusive interview, Eden opened up about how the genre she loves is evolving, especially with the growing representation of LGBTQ+ voices, and how this transformation makes her feel both proud and excited.
Eden, 36, has been at the forefront of this change. When she first entered the country music scene nearly a decade ago, she was advised to keep her sexuality private for the sake of her career. Speaking to Gayety at the GLAAD Media Awards, the star went on to say, “Back then, I was told by the industry that if I came out, I would lose my career in country music. I was told to keep this on the down low,” Eden said. For five years, she kept her identity under wraps, but in 2021, she made the brave decision to come out publicly, paving the way for others in the genre to do the same.
“The shift has been incredible. From 2021 to now, things have changed so much,” she reflected. “And now, it feels like everyone is coming out, and it’s amazing.” As more artists in the country music scene embrace their true selves, Eden believes that it creates a safe space for others to feel accepted. She explained, “When one person makes something safe and being themselves safe, it invites other people to also be themselves and feel safe somewhere.”
Brooke Eden attends the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton on March 27, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for GLAAD
The rising visibility of LGBTQ+ artists in country music has made Eden excited about the future of the genre. She is particularly proud to be part of this historic moment. “It feels like we’re really making a change and making some waves in a genre that has been so gay, so camp, and so drag for so long,” she said with enthusiasm. As country music continues to open its arms to a broader range of voices, Eden feels honored to play a role in the genre’s transformation.
Eden’s journey in country music has always been tied to her passion for authenticity, and her latest work reflects that. With a new single, “Giddy Up,” set to release in May, she is once again unapologetically bringing her queer identity to the forefront of her music. The track features an accompanying line dance, which is a nod to Eden’s roots. “I grew up in a line dancing bar, singing with my dad’s band. I’ve been line dancing since I was five years old,” she shared.
The inclusion of line dancing, a traditionally country form of dance, paired with a queer twist, perfectly embodies the fusion of Eden’s musical influences and her LGBTQ+ identity. “Growing up country and merging that with my queer community is literally heaven on earth,” she said, highlighting the joy she finds in bringing these two worlds together. For Eden, the growing intersection of queer culture and country music is a celebration of both authenticity and fun. “The music is very queer and it’s very country—C-U-N-T-R-Y. We’re just being unapologetic about it now,” she declared.
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As the country music landscape continues to change, Eden is thrilled to be a part of the movement that embraces individuality and diversity. Her latest music is some of her most personal and authentic yet. “This is my most unapologetic, most authentic music I’ve ever made,” she said with excitement. “I’m so excited for people to hear it.”
Beyond her own music, Eden is inspired by other queer artists who are making an impact across genres. She mentioned several artists whose work resonates with her, including Cynthia Erivo, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish. “There’s so much good queer music right now,” Eden noted. One artist she is particularly excited about is Chappel Roan, a country-influenced pop artist who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community. “Take me on tour, Chappel,” Eden said, expressing her admiration for the rising star. “I’m so obsessed with Chappel. It’s amazing to see a full-on lesbian pop star. Life is happening right now.”
Eden’s journey is a testament to the ongoing evolution of country music. As she continues to break down barriers and share her authentic self through her music, she remains optimistic about the future of the genre. The transformation of country music is not just about more LGBTQ+ representation—it’s about creating a space where everyone can be who they truly are, without fear of judgment.
For Eden, the most exciting part of this transformation is knowing that she is part of something much bigger than herself. “To be a part of this change is so meaningful. We’re making waves, and it feels like we’re really changing things,” she said. As she continues to rise in the country music world, Eden is eager to see where this cultural shift will take the genre next.
In addition to her growing influence in country music, Eden’s personal life is also thriving. She and her wife, Hilary Hoover, welcomed their first child, a son named Beckham, in November. Eden has expressed how motherhood has been an enriching experience, saying that it has taught her just how strong and resilient she truly is. “Being a country artist and a mom is wild, but I have an incredible wife, and when I’m working, she’s able to be a full-time mama. It’s truly a team effort,” Eden shared.
As Eden continues to juggle her career and motherhood, she remains determined to be both a role model for queer representation in country music and a loving mother to her son. “I’m just so proud of the direction that country music is going right now, and to be a part of it feels incredible,” she said.
Brooke Eden’s unwavering dedication to authenticity and her passion for breaking barriers in country music are helping to shape the future of the genre. With her bold new music and her commitment to representing the LGBTQ+ community, she’s playing a key role in the ongoing transformation of country music—a transformation that is more inclusive, more diverse, and more exciting than ever before.
