It’s been a year since Grammy award-winning Lil Nas X remixed his smash hit, Old Town Road featuring country singer legend, Billy Ray Cyrus.
Now, the 20-year-old, born Montero Lamar Hill, is marking the anniversary with a detailed interview with the Guardian, in which he opens up about coming out.
Lil Nas said he hid his sexuality from friends and family, keeping his androgynous wardrobe hidden and “acting really hard” on his earlier recorded rap tracks.
Lil Nas told the publication he was ready to take his secret to the grave.” The honest truth is, I planned to die with the secret,” he said.
Lil Nas made his admission into the LBGT community via a tweet last summer. Since then, he’s grown into his status as an LGBTQ icon by hitting multiple red carpets in an elaborate bright fashion. However, he admits he feels some reservations about how he appears to young fans.
“100% I want to represent the LGBT community, Lil Nas said, adding,” I don’t want to encourage them to do something they don’t want to do. Especially in, like, middle school or high school. Because it’s just super-hard.”
“It’s easier for me, I’m not depending on anybody. There’s no one who’s going to kick me out of the house, there’s nobody to start treating me shitty. My family knows now. But it’s not something that’s ever brought up, or we speak about. We’re quiet on it. Nobody’s like, ‘Oh, you got a boyfriend?’ It would have to be something I grew used to hearing,” Lil Nas answered when asked if he wishes his family was more concerned about his love life.
“I don’t want it to be something we never talk about. Because what about the kids in my family? I would like it to be a healthy medium between, Who are you fucking? Rather than just not saying anything,” he said.
Lil Nas X, born and raised in Georgia, also discussed his decision to decline to publicly endorse the only openly gay 2020 Presidental candidate, Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg has since dropped out.
“I’m not too into politics,” Lil Nas said. “I don’t know his political history or motives. The only thing I know … Wasn’t he from the Democratic Party? … All I know is he’s from the Democratic Party, and he’s gay. So it’s like … I don’t want to base my support off, ‘Oh, you’re gay, I’m going to support you.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Lil Nas added that politics is a topic that gets under his skin and said he was hesitant to endorse someone because of their sexuality.
But with the political endorsement aside, Lil Nas X does have every intention to go out and vote, while pushing his fantasy to do the same.
“Of course, I’m going to vote,” he said,” I’m also encouraging my fans to get out and vote.”
