Lil Nas X Reflects on Coming Out, Scrutiny and “99%” Attraction to Men in New Podcast Clip
Photo Credit: Outlaws Pod
Lil Nas X has given one of his most detailed public reflections yet on his sexuality, explaining that he identifies as gay but is “99%” attracted to men and open to the possibility of future change in who he is drawn to. Speaking on TS Madison’s Outlaws podcast, part of iHeartMedia’s Outspoken Podcast Network, the rapper said: “I’m gay, but if something happens, I’m not going to stop myself,” before adding that he “99%” leans towards men.
“It really bothered me”: early backlash and fear
Reflecting on his decision to come out publicly in 2019, Lil Nas X said that the magnitude of public reaction initially affected him far more than he expected, recalling that “at first it really bothered me.” He described being surprised by how intensely some people fixated on his sexuality, noting that he was taken aback by how much others seemed to care about this part of his identity.
The rapper said that widespread scrutiny left him feeling “paranoid” and “afraid to move too much or be seen too much,” language that points to the psychological toll that high‑visibility queer and gay artists can face in hostile or judgmental environments. He added that, during that period, “I felt like the entire world was against me,” underscoring how online and media backlash can influence a person’s sense of safety and belonging, particularly for LGBTQ+ people navigating both fame and prejudice.
Isolation, support networks and stepping back
In the conversation, TS Madison asked Lil Nas X about the kind of support he had around him, including whether there were LGBTQ+ people in his life he could rely on. He responded that, over an extended period he estimated as “seven, eight, nine” months, he had “kind of got away from everybody,” including distancing himself from his team and close contacts.
Lil Nas X explained that he had “got rid of everybody” around him for a time and is only now starting to bring people “back on board,” suggesting a deliberate retreat from industry and social circles while he regrouped personally. His comments highlight the ways that LGBTQ+ celebrities may sometimes step back from their usual support networks and professional infrastructure to cope with pressure, even as advocates often stress the importance of community in safeguarding mental health.
A renewed “self‑love journey”
Discussing how he has begun to rebuild his confidence, Lil Nas X said he needed to embark on “a self‑love journey again,” emphasising that this round of introspection felt “more than ever this time.” He said this process meant learning to “really accept every single part of me, whether I perceive it as good or bad, and stop trying to force change in myself all the time,” framing self‑acceptance as an ongoing, non‑linear practice.
These reflections arrive after several years in which Lil Nas X has used his music, visuals and public persona to challenge homophobia and rigid gender expectations, particularly through projects like the *Montero * era that centred queer imagery and storytelling. His emphasis on internal work and self‑compassion may resonate with many LGBTQ+ people who face both external hostility and internalised stigma as they navigate identity, visibility and mental health.
Career milestones and legal context
Lil Nas X first achieved global prominence with “Old Town Road” in 2019 and came out publicly as gay during Pride Month that year, a move that drew significant attention because he was at the top of the charts at the time. He has since become known for elaborate, high‑concept performances and videos, and has consistently spoken about homophobia and pressures placed on LGBTQ+ artists in interviews and appearances.
The newly highlighted podcast segment was recorded in February 2025, months before Lil Nas X was arrested in Los Angeles in August of that year and charged with four felonies, according to court information summarised in recent coverage. Earlier in April 2026, a California judge described the incident as “aberrant from his normal conduct,” linked the case to a bipolar diagnosis, and ruled that the charges will be dismissed if he follows a treatment plan and does not break the law for two years.
Broader significance for LGBTQ+ visibility
Lil Nas X’s decision to publicly discuss the specificity of his attractions—identifying as gay, while acknowledging a “99%” attraction to men and emotional feelings for some women—adds complexity to how sexuality is portrayed in mainstream pop culture. His remarks can be read alongside wider community conversations about fluidity, labels and the space for gay men, bisexual people and others under the LGBTQ+ umbrella to describe their experiences without being forced into narrow categories.
By also candidly sharing how backlash “really bothered” him and contributed to feelings of paranoia and isolation, Lil Nas X is drawing attention to the emotional and mental health implications of being a visibly queer or gay public figure under constant scrutiny. His framing of recovery as a renewed “self‑love journey” underscores ongoing calls from LGBTQ+ advocates and mental health professionals for environments in which queer and transgender people can define and express themselves without disproportionate judgement or danger.
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