Lil Nas X Named Suicide Prevention Advocate Of The Year By The Trevor Project

Lil Nas X Named Suicide Prevention Advocate Of The Year By The Trevor Project

Grammy award-winning artist, Lil Nas X, became an overnight success in 2019. He released the hit single “Old Town Road” and quickly became a household name. The now 22-year-old has been awarded after bringing awareness to social issues.

The self-proclaimed country rap star has sparked much controversy this year but his openness to fans has helped bring awareness to mental health. With his contributions to the LBGTQ+ community, The Trevor Project awarded the star with the Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year award. The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 with the purpose to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people.

Lil Nas X is no stranger to breaking barriers with his music. He recently announced that his new album, Montero, will be dropping next month with a nude album cover. Just two years ago, the star revealed to the world that he identifies as a gay male in a cryptic tweet. He tweeted:

“Some of y’all already know, some of y’all don’t care, some of y’all not gone fwm no more. But before this month end I want y’all listen closely to c7osure.”

 

Days after, he spoke with BBC and clarified that he is indeed gay.

 

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He quickly bought awareness of the LBGTQ+ community and the hate it receives.

When asked about the backlash he receives, Lil Nas X stated:

“Oh I’m already getting it… learning the internet over the past couple of years, I used to be that person being negative so I’m not angry or anything cause I understand how they just want that reaction but I’m just gonna joke back with them.”

In March 2021, the star released visuals to his hit single  “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”. The edgy visual featured the artist seducing satan after falling into hell. Lil Nas X immediately became the topic of controversy.

Lil Nas X later explained that as a gay person growing up he was attacked by Christian conservatives, telling him he is going to hell. He retaliated with that narrative by creating the video. The single reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. In response to reaching topping the chart and calling out critics, Lil Nas X wrote to Twitter:

“y’all told a 19 year old who had just escaped the lowest point of his life that he would never have a hit again. you told him to stop while he’s ahead. he could’ve gave up. but 4 multi platinum songs and 2 #1’s later, he’s still here. thank you to my team and my fans! ily”

Shortly after the release of the visual, Lil Nas X announced the release of his Nike “Satan Shoes” to accompany his hit single. The pair of shoes allegedly included real human blood.

Lil Nas X shoes

Nike released a statement shortly after, stating:

“We do not have a relationship with Little Nas X or MSCHF. Nike did not design or release these shoes and we do not endorse them.”

Nike went on to file a lawsuit against Lil Nas X and MSCHF for infringement. The shoes were stopped from being released after the lawsuit and MSCHF agreed to recall the shoes, offering refunds to customers.

During the 2021 BET Awards, Lil Nas X showed the world that he was not backing down from the recent backlash. The star paid homage to Michael Jackson in a “Remember The Time” themed performance. He ended the “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” performance with a kiss from two of his male dancers. This sparked more controversy but Lil Nas X fought back. Via Twitter, he 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”

The Montero singer went on to tell critics:

“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 s***”

He ended his rant by explaining the meaning of his hit single.

“like the song is literally about gay sex what y’all want me to do play the piano while baking a cake?”

With his fearless stance and openness, the Trevor Project could not think of a better recipient for their inaugural Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year award. Lil Nas X accepted the award and released a statement. The artist stated:

“Thank you so much to The Trevor Project for this award and for all they do for the LGBTQ community. Discrimination around sexuality and gender identity is still very real, and our community deserves to feel supported and totally free to be themselves. I often get messages from fans telling me about their struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, and it made me realize that this was something bigger than myself. If using my voice and expressing myself in my music can help even one kid out there who feels alone, then it was all worth it.”

What are your thoughts about Lil Nas X’s recent award? Please be sure to share and comment below.

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