Lil Nas X followed that “Old Town Road” to international superstardom, sitting at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 19 weeks. And along the way, he came out as gay on Twitter, confirming the speculation that his track “c7osure” and the rainbow on the cover of his EP 7 are references to his sexual identity.
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Now, in a new interview with Billboard, the rapper discusses his decision to bust down that closet door. “Just like, rip the Band-Aid off,” he says.
The Georgia native, 20, says he felt freer to come out since he had already left the nest: “It’s something I never probably would have did if I was still living with my parents. I have that independence to do it, you know?”
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Lil Nas X previously told TIME that Pride Month inspired him to come out — first to his father and sister and then to the world weeks later.
“I never would have done that if I wasn’t in a way pushed by the universe,” he told the magazine. “In June, I’m seeing Pride flags everywhere and seeing couples holding hands — little stuff like that.”
Related: Lil Nas X has the ultimate clapback to people trolling him for coming out
And he shows no signs of slowing down: His follow-up single, “Panini,” is already charting at No. 5 on the Hot 100 and has been certified Platinum. Pretty good for a guy who’s not even old enough to legally drink!
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Kangol2
Well, it’s good that he was living on his own and had the strength and vision to come out as gay. It was a huge deal and still is, and he’s had a galvanizing effect on many people, especially young gay people of color. Keep soaring, Lil Nas X.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Is an absolute positive role model for young Gay kids especially black kids so much negativity and homophobia in rap and hip-hop.
And he came out as his star is rising as opposed to most celebs who decide to come out after their star has crashed and burned
Good on him!!