Melissa Etheridge & Wynonna Judd clap back at bigots: 'Get some therapy man'

This story originally appeared on Out.

Melissa Etheridge and Wynonna Judd don't have time for any prejudice.

The iconic singers have not only made strides for the LGBTQ+ community over the years, but they're creating a safe space for every type of fan on their Raised on Radio Tour. As co-headliners, the artists are performing all of their greatest hits as they bring together a diverse group of supporters in cities coast to coast.

"I've been trying to get on stage with Wy for years! Wy and I were both raised playing live music in honky-tonks and bars. How I used to talk to an audience in a bar of 20 people is still the way I talk to an audience of 10,000 people. It's that connection and it's what we love to do," Etheridge tells Out.

The singers admit that they've bridged the gap between LGBTQ+ and straight fans by putting together a setlist of timeless songs that serve as a soundtrack to everyone's lives. However, there's no denying Etheridge's profound impact on equality since her humble career beginnings.

Every night of their tour, Etheridge receives love from her passionate lesbian fans who have connected with her personal and relatable songs over the years.

"These are my people! This is who I am. Back in the early '90s when no one was coming out and it was dangerous, it helped me become more of myself. I am gay and if you're not going to listen to my music, that's on you. Today, you've got artists gay from the get-go. Young ones don't really realize how far we've come, because we have. We've come a long way and let's celebrate that," Etheridge says.

Although Wynonna Judd has a traditional and conservative fanbase, the talented entertainer warmly embraces her status as a gay icon. As her career in country music ascended over the decades, Judd has consistently spoken out about her deep connection to the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing a message of unconditional love and inclusion for all her fans.

"These are my family. Most of my fans are gay. I know that and I love them where they are. I'm here to communicate and let them know they are loved. Spanks and sparkles, baby! My fans changed me. I know somebody who transitioned and he said my music helped him through it. Get to know somebody and get to know their life. Quit judging from the outside! I'm a Judd, not a judge. What a waste of energy. Get some therapy man," Judd adds.

As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to gain momentum around the world, Etheridge reminds her queer peers to focus on chosen family and face adversity with positivity and community.

"Happiness is a habit. When you spend a lot of your time tearing down people, you're really tearing down yourself. There's not a lot I can say to people who choose to hate, but I can tell people who choose to love, that your life will be filled with love. That is the thing that changes the one who hates. When you see how happy we are, it's the example that we can set. That's what going to change the world," Etheridge says.

Judd echoes Etheridge's profound wisdom by encouraging audiences to lead with empathy and extend a little more grace to their neighbors. Despite coming from different musical and cultural backgrounds, both artists have proven that a shared love of music has the power to unite people across any divide.

"I just want to be heard and I want to be independent. I just want people to know that I tried my best to be independent of the system and the government. I stay on my side of the street and do what it is that I love with every bit of energy that I can possibly give today. I went from the dirt on welfare to millionaire. I'm the definition of the American dream. If I can do it, you can do it," Judd adds.

For those who are unable to catch Judd on the Raised on Radio Tour this summer, the singer is going on her own solo tour titled The Hard Truth Tour. Her upcoming dates accompany her next solo album that promises to be her most vulnerable yet.

"It's like standing in church and giving your testimony. It's the most personal album I've ever done. I co-wrote all the songs and I'm just here to talk to people about grief, pain, and joy. If I can help one person not commit suicide, then I've done my job. I'm here to love people where they are," Judd concludes.

Fans can get tickets to the remaining dates of the Raised on Radio Tour by visiting the official website here.