Lil Uzi Vert Opens Up For The First Time About Changing Their Pronoun To They/Them: ‘What You Make Is What Matters, Not How You Identify’

Lil Uzi Vert

Lil Uzi Vert Opens Up For The First Time About Changing Their Pronoun To They/Them: ‘What You Make Is What Matters, Not How You Identify’

Rapper Lil Uzi Vert is setting the record straight about their much-discussed pronoun change.

In a recent interview, the 27-year-old musician, born Symere Woods, explained how thorough research and an open mind led them to confidently make the decision to identify as non-binary.

As we reported back in July of last year, Lil Uzi Vert threw many for a loop, surprisingly changing their pronouns on social media to they/them. In case you’re unfamiliar, the action represents a person’s desire not to be recognized as traditional genders such as he/she, opting for something more fluid like they/them which is “non-conforming” and describes the person individually.

Reportedly, the “Just Wanna Rock” artist shared they didn’t hesitate to make the choice, but did complete lots of research before fully diving in. They reportedly stated during the interview:

“I never hesitated…But I did take my time to learn as much as I could about this before I was able to proceed.”

Lil Uzi Vert

Continuing, the Philadelphia native said they were able to find a community and receive “a certain kind of support” unlike anything they’ve had previously, adding:

“Taking the time to figure out who you are is a big part of what it means to be alive. Once you figure out whether you’re here with it, there with it, or both, you’re not alone anymore. This community offers access to a certain kind of support that you might not have had [previously during] your entire life because you weren’t raised that way. I come from a household where it’s not okay to be ‘non’ anything.”

Back in April of this year, Lil Uzi Vert received a flood of mixed opinions after debuting their alter ego Leslie. Donning a wig with a bang, the artist shared several photos of their vacation in Thailand, which came with much scrutiny. Social media users made judgemental comments about their appearance, even tagging their girlfriend JT of the City Girls.

Back in October of last year, however, the 30-year-old, born Jatavia Johnson, let the world know she planned to stick beside her partner and defended them amid criticism they received for getting a belly piercing. She wrote:

“Everytime MY n*gg* do something he want to do y’all act amazed, that’s BEEN his aesthetic before me I guess this side more tuned in but let me tell y’all something he a black rockstar that does what he wants!”

Lil Uzi Vert, JT

Adding:

“Y’all think the way ppl dress & how they express themselves is what defines them sexually and that’s y’all problem now because it’s men who out here masculine as hell dress apart & can’t wait to get from round y’all to suck d*ck for amiris & I mean NO disrespect!”

Despite being themselves in the face of backlash, Lil Uzi Vert said they don’t consider themselves brave, reportedly stating:

“Bravery has only a ten percent chance of living…,I’m not brave at all. I just think a good product [is] a good product. Think about fashion. Gay and trans designers are some of the biggest talents out there, and gangster-a** guys wear their stuff without a thought. What you make is what matters, not how you identify.”

Lil Uzi Vert

Adding their thoughts on a hopeful future, the music artist continued:

“America is slowly getting there…I don’t think it’s right for everyone, everywhere, to change at the same rate. There are a lot of places that have been untouched by certain influences, and I think that’s beautiful and perfect in its own way.”

[VIA]

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