Trevor Project Honors Lil Nas X
Rapper named Suicide Prevential Advocate of the Year
BY TAT BELLAMY-WALKER
The Trevor Project has
named out gay rapper
Lil Nas X their inaugural
Suicide Prevention
Advocate of the Year.
The LGBTQ youth suicide prevention
organization honored Lil Nas X
for his “continued advocacy around
mental health issues, and his unapologetic
celebration of his queer
identity.” The out gay rapper has
been grabbing headlines not just for
the hype surrounding his soon-tobe
released album, but also for embracing
his sexuality — regardless
of who is watching. He kissed a male
performer at the BET Awards, gave
the devil a lap dance in his “Montero”
music video, and, in turn, he has
faced criticism for his celebration
of Black queer identity. Earlier this
year, the “Industry Baby” star also
opened up about his battles with
The Trevor Project’s CEO praised Lil Nas X for his “vulnerability in his journey to self acceptance and
expression.”
suicidal thoughts and depression in
a four-part TikTok series about his
life and journey to fame.
“The Trevor Project is thrilled to
REUTERS/MARIO ANZUONI
honor Lil Nas X with the Suicide
Prevention Advocate of the Year
Award,” the Trevor Project’s CEO
and executive director, Amit Paley,
ADVOCACY
said in a written statement. “His
vulnerability in his journey to self
acceptance and expression has created
space for candid conversations
around mental health and sexual
identity, signaling to LGBTQ youth
that they are not alone.”
The rapper said receiving the honor
inspires him to continue using his
music to uplift LGBTQ people.
“Discrimination around sexuality
and gender identity is still very
real, and our community deserves
to feel supported and totally free to
be themselves,” Lil Nas X said in
a statement. “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.”
He added, “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.”
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