These C*cksucking Tears

In 1973, the son of a tenant dairy farmer wrote, sang, and released the first gay-themed country music album. With only 1000 copies made, the album soon disappeared. Forty years later, LAVENDER COUNTRY was rediscovered and lauded by critics as ‘resonant and wonderful… a rare act of bravery and honesty.’ THESE C*CKSUCKING TEARS is about Pat Haggerty – the voice behind the album, now in his 70s and singing ‘old songs to old folks’ at senior living facilities – as his long-dormant musical dream comes back to life. The film explores the roots of his courage, the politics of ‘country’, and his relationship to Nashville – where ‘you can come out as gay but you can’t get up and sing about it.’

Screens as part of Shorts First 3.

Director Dan Taberski in attendance.