The Trevor Project announced that “Old Town Road” rapper Lil Was X was the recipient of its inaugural Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award.
On its website, the organization stated, ” Lil Nas X has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to supporting The Trevor Project’s mission to end suicide among LGBTQ young people with his openness about struggling with his sexuality and suicidal ideation, his continued advocacy around mental-health issues, and his unapologetic celebration of his queer identity.”
In accepting the award, Lil Nas X said, “Thank you so much to The Trevor Project for this award and for all they do for the LGBTQ community. Discrimination around sexuality and gender identity is still very real, and our community deserves to feel supported and totally free to be themselves. I often get messages from fans telling me about their struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, and it made me realize that this was something bigger than myself. If using my voice and expressing myself in my music can help even one kid out there who feels alone, then it was all worth it.”
“The Trevor Project is thrilled to honor Lil Nas X with the Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award,” said The Trevor Project CEO/Executive Director Amit Paley. “His vulnerability in his journey to self acceptance and expression has created space for candid conversations around mental health and sexual identity, signaling to LGBTQ youth that they are not alone.”
In February, Lil Nas X shared intimate TikTok videos documenting his life story—including his silent battle with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation during his rise to fame. The following month, he penned a heartfelt letter to his 14-year-old self about coming out publicly to mark the release of “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).”
The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at http://www.TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by way of text (messaging “START” to 678678).