Montero, the rapper received zero nominations whatsoever for this year’s BET Awards, which were announced last week.The snub had previously caused Lil Nas to tweet and delete his frustrations, rightfully noting that he had “3 of the biggest songs of last year & a critically acclaimed album,” before sharing concern that the oversight had some tinges of homophobia.“Doesn’t even have to be me nominated,” he wrote. “i just feel like black gay ppl have to fight to be seen in this world and even when we make it to the top mfs try to pretend we are invisible.”Despite deleting those tweets, something not uncommon for his social media presence, it’s obvious that Lil Nas is still feeling the same way.
In subsequent tweets, he suggested that queer men get less respect when they veer outside of “manly” stereotypes, and expressed frustration with homophobia within the Black community in particular.
BET ultimately responded with a statement saying that no BET employees make up their Voting Academy for the awards, and that they are “passionate advocates for the wonderful diversity that exists within our community.”Considering Lil Nas was ultimately trying to make a point about something bigger than just BET as a network or as an awards show, not being nominated by the 500 entertainment professionals making up the voting board doesn’t seem like any consolation..