On Saturday afternoon in West Hollywood, LGBTQ artists, songwriters and assorted industry execs gathered for the second annual Out to Brunch networking event at Cecconi’s, and this crowd was more representative of the rainbow flag than 2018’s inaugural get-together.
Gregory, who worked for Keller when he first moved to L.A. four years ago, emphasized that he’s had primarily positive experiences in the biz. “I grew up in the South, so for me, moving here opened up a whole new world of inclusion where I completely felt supported by my peers,” he said. “I haven’t encountered much racism and homophobia in the music industry, but I definitely know it’s out there.” For one thing, there was a lack of visible role models.
. “He is doing something that no other artist has done,” said Gregory. “A lot of people are like, ‘Wow, this young black kid is making country-rap music and is also gay is so amazing’ — it completely normalizes him.” While Lil Nas X’s subtle coming out tweet didn’t have the noise of Ellen DeGeneres proclaiming “Yep, I’m gay!” on the cover of Time magazine back in 1997, he still made a powerful statement. “[His] coming out is important for people, especially black boys, to see that someone [like him] can be number one and break world records,” said Vincint. “I love how nonchalant he was about it,” added Gregory.
LilNasX what pose is that guy doing