Orville Peck, Queen of the Rodeo | LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶

Reading Time: 3 min read

In the 18^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2023), we highlight the song, “Queen of the Rodeo” performed by Orville Peck.

Be prepared to #SLAY! LGBTQ Bopz embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians or allies. In this column, we provide background and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the decadent bops being served up. Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest. All styles of music are welcome while the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, in the 18^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2023), we highlight “Queen of the Rodeo” performed by Orville Peck.

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“Sleek heroine, just a man / Slow on the draw…” Cutting straight to the chase, traditionally, country music and LGBTQ have not been a match made in heaven – THAT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. However, things have changed and progressed, at least to a degree. Openly gay musician Orville Peck has been a proponent of this marriage of country (and alternative country) from an LGBTQ perspective. The South African born, Canadian musician keeps his identity under wraps, though there has been speculation about who this fringe-masked musician is with gorgeous eyes . Anyways, he shines on the deep “Queen of the Rodeo”, the fifth track from his 2019 debut album, Pony.

From a musical perspective, “Queen of the Rodeo” is stunning. Peck is a brilliant singer with a fantastic tone. Vocally, he captures the masculine sound of country music. The difference is, he does so eschewing toxic masculinity and brings a more inclusive vibe. Notably, the music video that accompanies “Queen of the Rodeo” is dedicated to all the LGBTQ+ and two-spirit community members working and performing in rodeos, ranches, and roadhouses across North America. Peck paints these shows as temporary escapes – a refuge, if you will – for individuals who may not feel comfortable, respected, or safe after the shows are done in their respective towns. In the tuneful chorus, the centerpiece of “Queen of the Rodeo,” where Peck does his best singing, he captures this sentiment brilliantly:

“Queen of the rodeo

You rode on in with nowhere else to go

You know the tune, so the words don’t matter

Beyond this town lies a life much sadder, babe

I know

Another evening show

Queen of the rodeo.”

“Queen of the Rodeo” is an utterly fantastic record, one that should speak volumes not only to the LGBTQ+ community, but to anyone who believes everyone should be treated with the utmost respect and be loved for who they are.