Lil Nas X Questions How People Sees Him, Challenges How His Family and Friends Think

Lil Nas X is popular for his work, in and out of his music - but because of who he is and what he wants the world to see him as. Conflicted as people are with him, he now says he also has to grapple with a lot of things about himself. Apart from his good music, he wants people to understand the LGBTQ better - to think in a different way not just towards the community, but the world in general.

In short, the "J Christ" singer wants to show fans Lil Nas X as a human in his upcoming documentary.

"Some people think my music is dope. Some people see me as this satanic devil. But me?" he reflects while laying down.

Videos from his performances and scenes from his childhood, when he was battling severe anxiety attacks, are shown in the teaser as he discusses the difficulties of coming out to his family. (Lil Nas made his public debut on 2019's World Pride Day.)

"I'm always trying to challenge the way my family thinks of things," he says, later adding, "So many queer people are making these strides, but it's a fight."

In one of the videos, he practices saying hello to his father and other family members and tries on a short skirt. "There are still parts of myself that I'm still learning to accept but we're getting closer," he says.

The concert documentary "Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero," which debuted at the Toronto Film Festival the previous year, will have a wide release on HBO on January 27 at 8 p.m. ET. It will also be streamed on Max.

The film was co-directed by Zac Manuel, who is directing his first feature film, Long Live Montero, and Carlos López Estrada, who was nominated for an Oscar in 2022 for Raya and the Last Dragon.

ALSO READ: Lil Nas X Explains 'J Christ' Music Video, Song After Backlash Online

The image features interviews with the artist wherein he discusses his sexuality and his career to date, in addition to tour video. The film is divided into three sections, just as the stage production: Becoming, Transformation, and Rebirth.

"[The directors] follow [Lil Nas X] around as he navigates the perilous waters of sudden celebrity, faces backlash from conservatives for his proudly queer songs and imagery, and bonds with fans who embrace his ability to bridge gaps while staying true to himself," Rolling Stone reported last year.

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