Lil Nas X’s ‘baby registry’ delivers big funds for HIV prevention

Six months after Lil Nas X “gave birth” to his debut album Montero, he’s earning more applause thanks to his “baby registry” fundraising.

Established in the weeks leading up to Montero’s release, Nas X’s baby registry — complete with pregnancy photo — has raised close to $500,000 to be distributed to 16 organizations, 14 of which are associated with the COMPASS Initiative, a Gilead Sciences campaign working to address HIV/AIDS in the Southern United States.

“Communities all across the South, like my home state of Georgia, are being transformed by the work of COMPASS grantees,” Lil Nas X said in a statement. “The Montero baby registry was created to send resources to grassroots groups serving the most vulnerable. Funds raised will go to people living with HIV and inspire a new generation of leaders who will keep pushing for HIV education and one day, a cure.”

Among the organizations receiving a donation is the Normal Anomaly Initiative, which works to help Black queer people “overcome barriers, end [HIV/AIDS] stigma and problematic narratives to actualize a new normal.” They provide services like testing, employment assistance, sex education courses, and events.

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“Lil Nas X has allowed our organization to dream big,” Ian L. Haddock, Normal Anomaly’s executive director said in a statement. “Through these funds we are not only able to create a brave space for community, celebrate entrepreneurship and have queer musical artists headline a festival, but we are able to continue to raise money through ticket sales to impact necessary programming including our community burial fund, transgender services and programs that directly impact people living with and impacted by HIV.”

51% of newly reported HIV diagnoses currently come from the South, according to a 2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study. Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men account for 60% of those diagnoses. “HIV stigma is pervasive in the South and is often associated with stigma around sexual orientation, substance abuse disorder, poverty, and sex work, and may limit people’s willingness to disclose their HIV status or seek testing, care, or prevention services,” the study reads.

Dr. Shanell L. McGoy, the director of public affairs and corporate giving at Gilead Sciences, said in a statement: “Donations from the Montero baby registry will have a direct impact on communities affected by HIV and we’re deeply thankful for Lil Nas X and his sustained advocacy for HIV awareness and education.”

Nas X may have bounced back from his baby bump days, but you can still head here to donate to these important organizations.