Gay Love Story Scores ‘Best Music Video’ Grammy Nod

While there was much good news for out recording artists in this year’s Grammy Award nominations, I also got the feels seeing Tyler Childer’s nomination for Best Music Video for his song “In Your Love.” While Childer’s isn’t gay, the love story for his music video (starring out actors Colton Haynes (Arrow, Teen Wolf) and James Scully (Fire Island) most decidedly is. Set in the 1950s in the Appalachian Mountains, the video chronicles the story of two men who meet while working in a coal mine and immediately feel a romantic spark leading to furtive glances, touching pinkies, and secret dates in the woods finding four-leaf clovers. But a homophobic co-worker reveals the couple leading to physical attacks. And so, the couple decides to quit their jobs and leave the area, unwilling to give up the love they’ve found. In a new town, the men start their life together with a new home and begin farming. Along the way, we see them enjoy dinners at home with friends and intimate moments. But when Scully develops a persistent cough (due to black lung from working in the coal mines), the love story comes to an end. The result feels more like a full-on movie than a four minute music video. https://youtu.be/II-L8Hq0_i4   In addition to the nod for Best Music Video, Childers received four more 2024 Grammy nominations, including Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “In Your Love,” as well as Best Country Album for Rustin’ in the Rain, and Best Americana Performance for “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” The project was conceived and creative directed by author Silas House, currently the Poet Laureate of Kentucky, who was included in the music video’s nomination.

“As a gay teenager who loved country music, I could have never imagined seeing myself in a video,” said House in a statement. “That visibility matters. There have always been LGBTQ people in rural places and finally we’re seeing that portrayed in a country music video.” At the time of its release this past summer, Haynes wrote on Instagram: “It’s easily one of my favorite projects I’ve ever been a part of. Please watch it & don’t forget to grab a tissue.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvNlOw6pLGW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==