Mary Gauthier, Jaimee Harris and Others Go Deep at Queer Roots

Thursday, we got in a showgoing mindset on the early side and posted up at The Lipstick Lounge at noon for the annual Queer Roots party, an AmericanaFest staple co-organized this year by OUTlaw Pride and Bluegrass Pride. The historic East Nashville venue is one of a dwindling handful of lesbian bars in the U.S., and it’s been a gathering space for the Nashville LGBTQ community for decades. Decked out in glittering gold and pink — its own kind of drag, if you will — the spot was once again the perfect host for a day of celebrating the richness of storytelling and queer culture in and around roots music.

Sporting fire-engine red corduroys and her trademark heart-shaped sunglasses, Jaimee Harris took the stage first and belted out “Tattoo Zoo.” The song is a superb example of how great songs can unfold layers of meaning as it guides listeners through the backstories of people waiting in the lobby of a tattoo parlor. When she played “Orange Avenue,” there was hardly a dry eye in the room as she examined the horrific tragedy of the 2016 shooting at the Pulse queer nightclub in Orlando, Fla., from the perspective of a victim whose family didn’t know they were gay until they died. 

Harris’ partner, legendary singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier, joined her onstage and they performed a few songs as a duo. The silver-haired, quick-witted Gauthier has a magnetic stage presence, and the packed room was pin-drop silent as she illuminated the experience of caring deeply for someone prone to self-destruction in “Alcohol and Adderall,” and relayed tales about writing “Some Times” with Vince Gill. Both songs are on Gauthier’s new LP Reckoning, due Sept. 25. Her spellbinding music and engaging banter are laced with wisdom, and she spoke plainly and poignantly about being the first openly gay person to play the Opry. 

“It’s just who I am, and you are who you are,” Gauthier told the audience. “Let’s just try to get along and make good music. But I’m not going to hide because me being here makes you uncomfortable.”

Gauthier’s and Harris’ performances set the tone perfectly for the show, which carried on till 8 p.m. with sets from Tulsa’s Jared Tyler, Chicago’s Reilly Downes and the Acid Cowboys, Nashville’s own Denitia (whose next LP Texas Angel is set for release in February) and many, many more.

Cover Stories

AmericanaFest Preview 2026

• Scene Staff and Contributors

The Spin

Americana Awards Feature Brandi Carlile, Molly Tuttle, More

• Annie Parnell

The Spin

OUTlaw Country Queer Roots Inspires at AmericanaFest

• Noah McLane