In July 2019, following the smash hit success of “Old Town Road”, Lil Nas X came out as gay. Confirming the news on BBC Breakfast, the singer said he hoped he was “opening doors for more people” to feel confident in their sexuality.

Now, Lil Nas X has revealed how the bravery of artists like Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator – both of whom have publicly come out as gay – inspired this confidence in him. In an Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe, the musician said: “Artists like Frank and Tyler made it easier for me to be where I am, comfortably.” He added that Ocean’s 2017 single “Provider” was “a very special song to me during this relationship I was in”.

Reflecting on coming out, Lil Nas X said: “I was just getting signs, ‘OK, it’s time to do this thing’. Because it’s like I’m already moving forward and I’m becoming more free with everything I do, so let’s take this to the next level and do this. It was either going to be that, or what? Pretend this for the rest of my entire life?”

The “Panini” singer also addressed the importance of his coming out for those still struggling with their sexuality. “Being one of those people that was like, ‘OK, I want to make room for you now’. So everybody who’s coming behind me (will think), ‘This is going to be cool. It’s going to work out fine’.”

“That’s another reason why I knew that I had to do it,” he continued. “Especially given my platform, where I am, the communities that I stand in between. It’s like, little shit like this shouldn’t be a problem.”

Last month (November 12), Lil Nas X dropped his Christmas single, “Holiday”, with the accompanying video seeing him transform into a cyberpunk Santa Claus.

Watch the full Apple Music interview below.