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Lil Nas X revealed that it took a lot of mental preparation to perform the now controversial performance of “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).”

it took me a lot of time to mentally prepare for this performance. while on stage i was trembling knowing that i was performing something like that in front of my straight peers. even during the performance i was having a hard time calming my nerves. thank you guys for the love.

— nope 🏹 (@LilNasX) June 28, 2021

In response to a critic on Twitter who accused the performer of “over-compensating” for his insecurities, Lil Nas X replied in a tweet:

“You’re right I am insecure about my sexuality. I still have a long way to go. I’ve never denied that. When you’re conditioned by society to hate yourself your entire life it takes a lot of unlearning. Which is exactly why I do what I do.”

\"PHOTO:
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images, FILE
PHOTO: Lil Nas X poses in the press room during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards after winning awards for "Old Town Road," Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles.
>

Despite the criticisms, Lil Nas X also received lots of praise and support for his pride. He left homophobic and sexist critics with a powerful message on Twitter:

“Work on yourselves,” he said in a tweet. “I love who i am and whatever i decide to do.”

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