Lil Nas X performed gave his first award show performance of ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’ yesterday at the 2021 BET Awards, and the rapper has given some words for any homophobic comments about the show.
His performace was massive, but it was the finale that had the internet talking – giving his male backup dancer a big ol’ pash.
Unfortunately, the kiss – which, like Lil Nas X himself, is huge for mainstream representation – caused some homophobes to show themselves and get brave in the rapper’s comments. But he wasn’t just going to sit idly by and let it happen.
In response to one since-deleted comment, Nas X wrote, “Y’all hate yourselves so much.
“Y’all live your lives trying your best to appease straight ppl. Y’all are uncomfortable with what I do because y’all are afraid they will be uncomfortable with you. Work on yourselves, I love who I am and whatever I decide to do. get there.”
y’all hate yourselves so much. y’all live your lives trying your best to appease straight ppl. y’all are uncomfortable with what i do because y’all are afraid they will be uncomfortable with you. work on yourselves, i love who i am and whatever i decide to do. get there. https://t.co/oHoYkux98F
— i am reading all that (@LilNasX) June 28, 2021
Another Twitter user whipped out the age-old “you got kids watching this” excuse, to which Nas X simply said, “that’s not my problem, stop letting ur kids watch the bet awards… put on Cocomelon“.
that’s not my problem, stop letting ur kids watch the bet awards nigga put on cocomelon https://t.co/VjEOGoOXDq
— i am reading all that (@LilNasX) June 28, 2021
Another user called Nas X “insecure” about his sexuality and accused him of “overcompensating” with his performance. Nas X delivered a very considered, insightful and, frankly, vulnerable response.
“You’re right I am insecure about my sexuality,” he said.
“I still have a long way to go. I’ve never denied that. When you’re conditioned by society to hate yourself your entire life it takes a lot of unlearning, which is exactly why I do what I do.”
you’re right i am insecure about my sexuality. i still have a long way to go. i’ve never denied that. when you’re conditioned by society to hate yourself your entire life it takes a lot of unlearning. which is exactly why i do what i do. https://t.co/PtiehZdDGS
— i am reading all that (@LilNasX) June 28, 2021
He then went on to point some of his confusion around criticism of the performance, considering the song and music video makes no secret of its themes.
“We are 4 months in and people are still acting surprised that I am being gay and sexual in performances of a song about gay and sexual shit,” he said.
“Like the song is literally about gay sex. What y’all want me to do play the piano while baking a cake?”
like the song is literally about gay sex what y’all want me to do play the piano while baking a cake? https://t.co/bzStSa3pYY
— i am reading all that (@LilNasX) June 28, 2021
He then gave a thank you to his supporters, saying “It took me a lot of time to mentally prepare for this performance.
“While on stage I was trembling knowing that I was performing something like that in front of my straight peers. Even during the performance I was having a hard time calming my nerves. Thank you guys for the love.”
Re-watch Lil Nas X’s incredible performance below.
