In what was arguably the performance of the night, Lil Nas X made a powerful statement of affirmation for Black queer men everywhere on Sunday’s BET Awards.
The rapper, known for pushing the envelope in regards to Black gay male representation in the mainstream, paid homage to Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time” with an Ancient Egyptian-themed performance of “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”
During the performance, Lil Nas X even performed moves from the King Of Pop’s iconic music video. The performance concluded with Lil Nas X sharing a steamy, sensual kiss with one of his male backup dancers. His performance caught steam on social media.
It is thought to be the first kiss shared by men in a BET Awards performance, and possibly one of the few instances in awards shows overall.
Lil Nas X did that!! Be fearless!!!
— LOVE (@Diddy) June 28, 2021
THE WAY IM IN HERE SCREAMING AT THIS TV SCREEEEEEEEEEN!!!!! YES NASSSSSSSSSSSSS I KNOW THE BLACK COMMUNITY IS SEEEEEEETHINGGGGGGGGG #LilNasX #betawards2021 pic.twitter.com/yA627Bm1Az
— Taz Talk Alotta Shit (@TazxTaz_) June 28, 2021
Good job #LilNasX I’ve been forced to watch Madonna kiss Britney… Beyonce give lap dances to her man and all kinds of other “straight accepted” behaviors on Tv since I was a child…..
— The Real Ts Madison (@TsMadisonatl1) June 28, 2021
Kiss that man on Live Tv GOOD‼️
Turn the tables……..
The performance arrives in the wake of the rapper’s much-touted performance of “Montero” on Saturday Night Live, on which he was featured alongside The Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy.
