The topic of gay sexuality has gone through a sort of evolution when we consider past and current queer representation in popular media including film, television, and music. If you haven’t already seen Lil Nas X’s new music video “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”, I have included the video in this post just below. In this post, we will explore how Lil Nas X’s recent contribution to popular media has impacted queer representation in relation to previous “gay-themed” music videos, films, or television shows. As a final warning, the video that will be discussed in this post contains adult content and language, which means inevitably the content written about this work of art will contain adult content and language.
Celebrating Gay Sexuality
This music video is chock full of references to gay sexuality both within the lyrics as well as the imagery used throughout the video. One of the more subtle references to gay sexuality is from the line “You live in the dark boy, I cannot pretend…..If Eve ain’t in your garden, you know that you can..” This is a reference to a common situation within the queer community in which one partner is out and one is still closeted and possibly married with a wife and kids. In addition, these lyrics speak to living your life authentically and not falling into the gay television trope of a Beard.
My favorite part of the song in terms of the lyrics is right after the post chorus humming:
“I want that jetlag from fuckin and flyin’ Shoot a child in your mouth while I’m ridin'”
Lil Nas X- Montero (Call Me By Your Name) 2021
In using these lyrics in tandem with all of the risque and provocative imagery shown throughout the video, Lil Nas X is unapologetically celebrating same-sex lust and owning his sexuality. In doing so, Lil Nas X breaks ground in portraying queer people as authentic, sexualized human beings rather than the dismal representations in the past as eunuchs and comic relief. From the vibrant colors and costumes including a pair of black leather boots, colorful wigs and makeup, and dazzling scenes from beginning to end, this music video is unapologetically queer, which may have been 99% of the point.
The Controversy: Subverting Religious Imagery
Let’s cut right to the chase: this video pissed A LOT of religious people off. Why might that be? The simplest answer would be that the video juxtaposes biblical and Satanic imagery, which has produced shock and disgust among the Christian community. The opening sequence takes place in what is presumably the Garden of Eden.
Apart from the tree of knowledge where Lil Nas X is centered, the first biblical imagery we might notice is the encounter with a serpent that seems to ensnare, entice, and seduce Lil Nas X into a kiss. This imagery could be open to more than one interpretation, but my take on it is that the serpent-humanoid is a symbol for the choice gay people make to embrace or reject their sexuality as part of who they are and the church’s perception of that choice.
The scene changes to a nod to Greek mythology with Lil Nas X chained up and being executed by stoning. Shortly after being executed, we see Lil Nas X briefly floating toward the heaven only to grab a stripper pole and slide down to Hell. You might have also noticed that his “form” has changed from the pink-haired, angelic figure to one with long, black leather boots, tight black underwear, and a red long-braided wig from the instant he grabs the pole.
Could this symbolize his choice to embrace who he is rather than bury it to be accepted in heaven? Another detail that stands out when he drops into Hell are the words “Damnant Quod Non Intelligunt”, which translates from Latin to “They condemn what they don’t understand.”
Columbia Records / YouTube
The grand finale and arguably the most controversial part of the video is saved for last. Lil Nas X enters the Devil’s throne room and seduces him with a lap dance. The dance is highly suggestive and sexualized.
So why are people so angry about this video? A simple explanation might be that people equate the lap dance scene with devil worship that has been sexualized and targeted at youth. A lot of Christian parents claim that Lil Nas X’s previous top hit “Old Town Road” was part of a sinister plot to entice their children early and push an agenda of blasphemy, devil worship, hyper-sexuality, and the list goes on. This is hardly surprising when we look at earlier examples of artists evolving or owning their sexuality and the ensuing backlash as in the case of Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” or “WAP” from Cardi B and Meghan Thee Stallion.
Check Out the Video Below
If you are interested in getting Lil Nas X’s break down of the lyrics, check out this Billboard Interview!
Queer representation has gotten much stronger even in just the last decade. I suspect this is because of artists and performers like Elliot Page, Troye Sivan, Who is Fancy?, and of course Lil Nas X for breaking all the rules about what is acceptable representation for the queer community they represent. If you or someone you know is struggling with coming to terms with their sexuality or gender identity, consider reaching out to Book an Appointment today to see if we are a good fit for treatment.
So what’s the verdict for you? Does Lil Nas X’s contribution celebrate or demonize gay sexuality? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
