Okay so I know some people were extremely unhappy with this new song that Lil Nas X released called MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name). As someone who isn’t an avid fan of this guy, I gave it a listen just because of all the push back I saw from people claiming this to be an outrageous affront to the “PG” rating he has had previously in his other songs. So after watching the video, here is my honest opinion.

GO OFF! Lil Nas X made this piece so touching and theatrical, which is more effort than I have ever seen put into a music video. The iconic costume and set designs shows the true effort and art he puts into his craft. I think that is super admirable and it makes me WANT to become an avid fan of his. I am not super into his music style, but that did not take away at all from the gorgeous design choices and makeup. I love defying the gender norms and he truly shows that he does not give a f*ck what the public thinks of him.

‍

Now onto what people are upset about. I get it. I understand that parents feel that his music was misleading to them but it was never Lil Nas X’s responsibility to cater to the needs of kids. Anyone who liked his previous music is not compelled to listen to or like any new music he produces. He also never advertised being a children’s music creator, so I don’t see why he is getting blamed for anything here.

‍

Then, of course, there are people hating on this song because for whatever other reasons they can and want to conceive. At the end of the day, it all comes down to people being racist and homophobic, and not wanting this openly queer person to share his own form of queer expression. He is sharing his story as a queer person and the hate that he is getting is offensive to the whole queer community. He is not “leading a generation down the drain” by encouraging self-expression and freedom. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, we need MORE of it. His own way to express himself is his own journey. Anyone else interjecting their homophobic opinions are bigots that can’t see it and can’t appreiate it.

‍

So in general: love the song. Hate the hate it’s getting.

Lil Nas X has the support of the queer community behind him on this one, sorry homophobes.

‍

Image Credit: https://www.allure.com/story/lil-nas-x-montero-call-me-by-your-name-video-beauty-looks

‍

The views, opinions, and stories expressed in Promly Garden articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policy of Promlyapp.com. We aim to give Gen Z a voice and welcome articles and opinions from Gen Z contributors who want their voice to be heard. Please send any articles, poetry, or artwork you’d like to see published on the Promly Garden to heypromly@promly.org.

With immense gratitude, the Promly Team.

‍