Lil Nas X Feared He Would Lose Fans By Coming Out As Gay

Lil Nas X says he didn't originally plan to come out as gay as he feared he would lose fans.

In an interview with Time Thursday, the rapper spoke about the record-breaking success of his single "Old Town Road" and how being "pushed by the universe" motivated him to come out to the world.

According to Lil Nas, he was taught from a young age that homosexuality "is never to be O.K." The "Panini" singer said he worried his large cross-genre fan base held this same kind of view and wouldn't accept him.

"I know the people who listen to this the most, and they're not accepting of homosexuality," he said.

However, Pride Month in June gave the artist the push he needed.

"I never would have done that if I wasn't in a way pushed by the universe," Lil Nas said. "In June, I'm seeing Pride flags everywhere and seeing couples holding hands -- little stuff like that."

After coming out to his father and sister, he revealed the news to the world on the final day of Pride Month via Twitter. The VMA nominee shared a video of his song "C7osure" and encouraged his followers to listen a little closer to the lyrics.

"Some of y'all already know, some of y'all don't care, some of y'all not [going to f--k with me] no more," Lil Nas said at the time. "But before this month ends I want y'all to listen closely to c7osure."

The "Rodeo" rapper later tweeted a photo of his album, pointing out a rainbow in the background. "Deadass thought I made it obvious," he said.

Meanwhile, at only 20 years old, the musician has become hugely successful with his first single alone. "Old Town Road" is the longest-running No.1. song in history and has stayed on the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks, dethroning previous record-holders, including Mariah Carey.

Lil Nas X also became the first artist to come out as gay while having a number one hit.

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