Lil Nas X has apologized to the trans community after facing a huge backlash, following a joke about transitioning.
Lil Nas X posted a photo of a woman who looks similar to him, with the caption:
The surgery was a success.”
The since-deleted tweet garnered huge criticism from the LGBTQ community, who saw it as mocking the trans community at a time when they are already facing hatred from mainstream media and politicians.
A recent study from The Trevor Project found that 25% of young Black trans and non-binary people in the US have attempted to take their own lives.
As one Twitter user pointed out to the Lil Nas X:
You’re a gay cis male, why are you making transitioning a punchline of a joke?”
To which the rapper initially responded:
I’m literally just saying she looks like me
y’all cannot be fucking serious.”
And when asked why he included surgery in the joke, he added:
Because she has titties? Are you dense?”
apologies to the trans community i def handled that situation with anger instead of considering why it was not cool. much love to you guys. sorry
— i am reading all that (@LilNasX) March 14, 2023
As he dug the hole deeper, the anger grew, so he issued another statement, saying:
Apologies to the trans community I definitely handled that situation with anger instead of considering why it was not cool. Much love to you guys. Sorry.”
Nas X admitting his mistake was short-lived because he almost immediately backtracked by mocking a Black trans woman who called him out.
Baby, this apology ain’t it! You need to apologise to the trans community in material ways that include money, sharing your platform to raise awareness… this is fake as hell!”
To which Lil Nax X simply replied:
Girl eat my ass.”
girl eat my ass https://t.co/EXs1p9vkaw
— i am reading all that (@LilNasX) March 14, 2023
For many this has overshadowed his apology, with one person writing:
So once again you’re responding with spite and vitriol instead of engaging with the very valid criticism coming from an actual trans person.
And you’re cool with your fans harassing and sending threats to a Black trans woman who named the ways your apology fell short.”
Some have pointed out his track record for making uncomfortable jokes.
Some of his antics are causing really frustrating conversations for trans people, specifically Black trans folks. His fake pregnancy photos opened up an ugly can of worms and today’s transition joke feels similar.”
Has his trolling has gone too far, or as some are saying, the fury should be reserved those responsible for the anti-LGBTQ legislation.
I love Lil Nas X and I think that some of his antics are causing really frustrating conversations for trans people, specifically black trans folks. his fake pregnancy photos opened up a ugly can of worms and today’s transition joke feels similar.
— jzl thee doll (@jxzzhndz_) March 14, 2023
(via PinkNews)
