AUSTIN, Texas —
A pair of Austinites want people to be able to enjoy country music, no matter how they identify. They say the genre doesn't always have a reputation for being the most inclusive, but they want to change that.
The local DJ and line dance instructor want to create a safe space where members of the LGBTQ+ community can come together and be themselves, all while enjoying the music they love.
Chances are, if you've spent time in Central Texas, you've listened to country music and probably danced to your favorite hits. But that's an experience not everyone can relate to.
Ezra Edwards, who works under the name DJ Boi Orbison, said country music is for everyone. But it hasn't always felt that way.
"I grew up rural – a very like, country background. And I'm queer, and I feel like there aren't – or, when I was growing up, there weren't – a lot of like, welcoming situations," Edwards said.
He identifies as a queer trans man and said he wanted to create a space that other members of the LGBTQ+ community could turn to and enjoy the dance floor with whoever they want.
"It doesn't have to just be something for white, cis, heteronormative people," Edwards said.
To create that safe space, Edwards has partnered with trans nonbinary line dance instructor Nico Osier, who operates under the name Country Friend Dance.
"Regardless of gender – and if you can be masculine and follow, you can be feminine and lead," Osier said. "I just love to dance. So like, I kind of just started like, leading more as I learned."
Osier grew up in Michigan, going to dance classes. But they didn't think they would use those skills for this.
"My parents, when they threw me in that, did not think I would be like, a transgender, boot scootin' Texan, leading a bunch of other queers into line dances," Osier said.
Osier and Edwards not only give people a space to have a boot-stomping good time – they also teach them how.
"I start with very like, absolute beginner-friendly dances. Like stuff that your Nana could pick up at a wedding," Osier said.
It's something they both say can be more than just a good time.
"If you, you know, grew up in a small town and you don't have like, a good, healthy relationship with your past, your family, like, it could be a really like, healing experience," Osier said.
Edwards agrees.
"The healing and building community and having fun, yes," he said. "Just being a little loosy-goosey."
Dj Boi Orbison will keep spinning the nostalgic tracks for Country Fried Dance to teach to, so everyone can have a two-steppin' good time.
Edwards also created Neon Rainbows, a queer country experience that hosts pop-up events about once a month. This Sunday, June 30, they will host Yeehawties: A Honky Tonk Pool Party at the Austin Motel.