Lil Nas X's coming out message has been welcomed with a wave of support and criticism alike.
Now, the chart-topping rapper is formally addressing his sexuality for the first time in a new interview with BBC Breakfast.
During the conversation, the "Old Town Road" rapper -- whose given name is Montero Lamar Hill -- discussed the potential impact his identifying as gay could have on his career in country and hip-hop music.
"I mean, it's just something that I was considering just never doing it, ever, just taking to the grave or something," X said of his coming out message. "But I don't wanna just live my entire life -- especially, you know, how I just got to where I'm at -- just not doing what I wanna do."
He added: "I'm also, I feel, opening doors for more people."
As for his detractors, X still maintains a positive outlook.
"I mean, learning the internet over the past couple years, I used to be that person being negative," the 20-year-old reflected. "I'm not angry or anything because I understand how they just want that reaction, but I'm just gonna joke back with them."
As previously reported, X closed Pride Month by sharing with fans that he identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community. The details of his struggles to come out are chronicled in the song "c7osure."
X's "7" EP, also featuring Cardi B, is out now via Columbia Records.
