Chris Samuel
Lil Nas X has built a reputation around practical jokes, but was recently met with controversy from the transgender community. The “Call Me Your Name” artist apologized after joking he had sex reassignment surgery.
Rapper Lil Nas X is facing criticism from the LGBTQ+ community after joking that he had sex reassignment surgery on Instagram. He later issued an apology on Twitter after receiving backlash.
In a post-and-delete tweet, the “Old Town Road” rapper, who has shown a history of trolling, posted an image of a woman on Twitter with the caption, “the surgery was a success,” joking that he transitioned to a woman.
The LGBTQ+ Community Responds
Twitter users who identify as LGBTQ+ expressed their frustration with Lil Nas X’s post. One user expressed that his joke “pissed them off” and questioned why he would subject a trans person to more violence.
One user who identifies as transgender, says she is a fan, but thinks his jokes and previous antics, such as posing as pregnant, cause frustrating conversations for the transgender community.
Lil Nas X has been the subject of many other homophobic discussions. The Atlanta native was the target of a rant by trap music rapper Boosie in 2021. Rapper Azealia Banks chimed in to defend Lil Nas X and called out homophobia in hip-hop.
Chicago rappers Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa hosted their first Black Star Line Festival in Ghana and was under fire for having comedian Dave Chappelle perform. Chappelle had been criticized in the past for his material deemed as homophobic.
In addition, Ghana has anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and Ghana residents felt that the move contributed to homophobia.
Boosie Responded To Gabrielle Union’s Clap Back About Daughter Zaya Wade
In December of 2022, trap music legend Boosie responded to actress Gabrielle Union’s clap back of him criticizing her stepdaughter Zaya Wade, who is transgender.
