6.2.21 QAL Glasgow #1

OT Sorta:
It seems LNX is realizing as a gay man in the music industry he can run into roadblocks just like those before him. Early on, he was so cocky that he said only a few gay men had receive any real success in the industry and he had succeeded because he was bolder and more confident than the others. And tho many celebrated his success, he never seemed to even acknowledge that any had helped to pave the way for him. For the last Grammy Award contest, he was nominated 4 times in the big categories but failed to win any. He made a joke about it and implied it was because he was gay but he has won two in earlier years. Now tho he has several hits under his belt, he was not nominated for any BET awards this time and he is blaming it on homophobia and their non acceptance of black gay men. Interesting to say that now since he had been gloating that he did not face the same problems that other gay men in the industry had faced.

Without knowing what is happening, LNX has to remember that he rose to the top of the charts with Old Town Road before anyone knew about his sexuality. After he made it public, he was still riding high. He was celebrated in Red Carpet appearances dressed in hot pink suits and cowboy hats. He was always very sexual but unstoppable and could do anything he wanted with no consequences. Then he started appearing on the Red Carpets in dresses and and heavy makeup. Wearing makeup and dresses and wigs in some of his videos. He even performed at the BET Awards the last time (and won a few) in what looked like a gold mini skirt and no shirt. Then passionately kissed a male dancer. Every one celebrated. In years past,a kiss almost ended Adam Lambert's career they said but LNX did it with everyone cheering him on. No blowback for any of his antics. But maybe there was. This is still the US and even with progress the path is not always equal and there are limits. And it is so easy for fans to say just do what you want but they are not losing anything with their careers. Now Harry Styles can wear a dress and everyone thinks it is progress. Honesty I did not think he looked good in the dresses, lol, actually rather silly to me. He looked like a man playing dress up in a dress or make believe when you knew that was not his natural style. And Billy Porter can get away with it but he is not trying to be a mainstream music artist. Tho I never did understand why Billy was upset that other men were copying him when drag queens and Transgender women have been wearing women's clothing forever. LNX's music and videos are still doing very well but maybe he now understands a little that it is not always so easy for gay men in the music industry. Not because of lack of talent but the opportunities are sometimes limited. TPTB are just not as vocal about the reasons today but they still exist. But there are many talented gay artists out there working hard and paving the way for others. And they are not all going to do it the same way. Different talent, styles, presentation and opportunities.