Country Entertainers Who Publicly Support LGBT Equality
Garth BrooksThe musician won a GLAAD Media Award in 1993 for his song "We Shall Be Free," with lyrics such as "'Cause we shall be free / When we're free to love anyone we choose" that helped turn it into an LGBT anthem.
Court Yard Hounds
Dixie Chicks -The trio could write a textbook on a backlash from conservative fans following their remarks in 2003 criticizing then-President George W. Bush. In 2010 sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison formed a side project Court Yard Hounds and released “Ain’t No Son,” a song about a young man coming out to his judgmental father.
Wynona Judd
When the powerhouse vocalist was criticized by Christian fans for performing on a gay cruise in 2005, she spoke to The Advocateabout the controversy.“We actually have some gay people that work with us, and we have a lot of friends that are gay, too, and I know that this song has inspired them. I know that coming out was tough on their parents and on them and the whole entire family. For a long time, some of them didn’t get to hear ‘I love you’ from their dads or be accepted in that way... It’s helped a lot of our friends.”
Martina McBride
In 2009 McBride was asked by Out magazine if she’d consider telling her conservative fans to be more tolerant of LGBT people. “Honestly, I just have to do what's right for me, and what I would tell people is what I believe, which is that I feel like tolerance is very important,” she replied. “I have three daughters and that's what I teach them. I think we should all be tolerant of each other and embrace each other's strengths and differences and uniqueness and beauty.”
Reba McEntire
In 2009 the singer-actress was asked by Out magazine about conservative fans who might not support LGBT equality. “I just try not to judge,” she said. “Don't judge me, and I won't judge you. And that's what it says in the Bible — 'Don't judge.' Keep an open mind. That would be my voice. I have gay friends. I have a lot of straight friends. I don't judge them. I take them for what they are. They're my friends, and I can't defend my feelings for them, other than I like 'em.”
Sugarland
In 2009 Jennifer Nettles spoke about the gay fan base of the band, who has performed at numerous Pride events. "I've always had a large gay following," she said. "Particularly in the lesbian community. I am grateful for that ... It also means that I'm a cute girl singing a rock song in an alto voice!"
MORE PEOPLE LISTED HERE: http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2012/06/21/country-entertainers-who-support-lgbt-equality
These are some major players in country music. While the audience may be more conservative, there are high profile singers who have been supportive.
I can just imagine what Wynonna, Reba, or Dolly would do if the haters came after them. After telling thm to go to hell in a polite way(or not), they'd write a song and sing it at 'em.
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From 2007--
Willie Nelson Says Rednecks, Hippies, Misfits, Gays and Straights Should Join Together
You know what's always on Willie Nelson's mind? Injustice, particularly when he sees people who are different treated with disdain and discrimination.
Over the course of his lengthy career — the man is 78 years old, and has been performing music for more than five decades — Nelson has seen quite a bit. He's seen Nashville executives turn on people with long hair. He's seen music execs and country music fans squirm at the thought of homosexuality. And he's seen club owners get cranky and racist at the thought of African American singers performing at their venues. And in the wake of all of that, Nelson has never missed the opportunity to speak out and confront bigotry.
Nelson was profiled in Parade in a rather loving tribute to a man who just wants everyone to stop hating, and start helping one another. His words of wisdom?
"Rednecks, hippies, misfits — we're all the same. Gay or straight? So what? It doesn't matter to me. We have to be concerned about other people, regardless," Nelson said. "I don't like seeing anybody treated unfairly. It sticks in my craw. I hold on to the values from my childhood."
--more--
http://news.change.org/stories/willie-nelson-says-rednecks-hippies-misfits-gays-and-straights-should-join-together
On edit: I see he's no. 11 ...oops!
For many years, Nelson's image was marked by his red hair, often divided into two long braids partially concealed under a bandanna. In the April 2007 issue of Stuff Magazine Nelson was interviewed about his long locks.[163] "I started braiding my hair when it started getting too long, and that was, I don't know, probably in the 70's." On May 26, 2010, the Associated Press reported that Nelson had cut his hair,[164] and Nashville music journalist Jimmy Carter published a photograph of the pigtail-free Nelson on his website.[165] Reportedly, he wanted a more maintainable hairstyle, as well helping him stay cool more easily at his Maui home.[166]
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It looks more like "William Nelson." 
She's not Glam, or Hollywood. She's the real deal, real honest country; like Kitty Wells, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson are real honest country, and she was out as lesbian, and performing, when being out as a country performer, or supporting LGBT rights as a country performer, was almost unheard of in the world of country music.
Although she is generally considered a folk artist, her singing and songs are as down home roots country as any of the artists in the OP article.
Mary is an LGBT pioneer in country music, and she richly deserves recognition as such. She has had her songs recorded by numerous artists, including Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Boy George, Bill Chambers, and Mike Farris.
Mary was LGBT in country when being LGBT in country wasn't cool. 
One of my daughters loves country music. I'm not much of a fan. One nite she was watching the Grand Ole Opry back when CMT actually played music.
Marty Stuart was on, hosting, I think.
Then he introduced Mary Gauthier and she sang Mercy Now.
I had never heard of her before or her music. My mouth dropped to the floor.
This was right in the middle of the Bush years and she was singing to "Palin's America". The people in the audience were giving her funny looks. And Marty Stuart had a twinkle in his eye.
I've been a fan of hers ever since! And Mercy Now will always be one of my favorite songs.
You made my day with your post! 
It might be in the introduction.
And if you have to ask "Dolly Who?" then you don't know country!
Bake
