Country music artists are generally perceived to have right-wing viewpoints and be against gay rights. Rarely would you find one speaking with a gay publication. However, legendary Country music icon, Reba McEntire, recently did an interview with Out.com, in which she discusses her beliefs and her gay fanbase.

Out.com:
Country artists and their loyal fans have long been notorious for their right-wing viewpoints and rarely come out to play with LGBT audiences -- let alone speak with gay publications. But in March Martina McBride sent shock waves through the world of country music when she spoke with Out. Now Reba McEntire is bridging the gap even more. As she releases her 31st album, Keep on Loving You, on August 18th, the one-time rodeo singer turned diva with album sales of over 55 million faces another challenge -- how to address the LGBT community without alienating the fan base that helped her reach and maintain country royalty status. McEntire – who has topped the charts 33 times over -- spoke with Out about her new album, sending “Tweebas” to her fans, and how growing older has changed her approach to making music.

Out: There are going to be people who will not appreciate you doing an interview with a gay publication. What do you say to those individuals who are more conservative and don’t support the LGBT community?

Reba McEntire: I just try not to judge. 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.

Out: Do you think there is a place in country music for an openly gay artist?

Reba McEntire: [Laughs] I can’t say for sure, but anything is possible.

Read full interview here.