Lil Uzi Vert casually changed the pronouns in his Instagram bio. The change happened Friday to equal parts confusion, delight, and disdain of hip-hop fans. As expected, some people were confused, as it’s still hard for many to grasp the singular ‘they.’ Some were even upset, but, regardless of negative or positive reactions, most people didn’t seem surprised.
After the news spread, some pointed out it’s weird for Uzi fans to be intolerant of this particular aspect of his identity, when the rapper’s known for other controversial things. Back in 2019, Uzi caught flack for a transphobic lyric allegedly referring to influencer Nikita Dragun. The lyric, “I was checking my DM’s found out she was a man, no, no, no,” did not bother everyone. However, it’s resurfacing after this latest bit of news. This, paired with the rapper pleading no contest in February to felony assault with a firearm, isn’t so easily forgotten by the internet. Uzi received three years of probation.
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Non-Binary Representation In Hip-Hop And R&B
Hip-hop culture of the past, has been infamously intolerant of people who aren’t straight, cisgender men (cisgender meaning non-transgender). However, in the last decade, the tide has been turning. Though there’s a long way to go, particularly when it comes to non-binary representation. Kehlani and Janelle Monáe are just two individuals who came out using non-binary pronouns. Kehlani in particular has had issues with people respecting their pronouns, but her fans are accepting. Rapper Angel Haze identifies as two-spirit. Rappers Ashnikko and Princess Nokia use both they/them and she/her.
Uzi changing his pronouns comes on the heels of Non-binary Awareness Day on July 14. The holiday, first observed in 2012, aims to bring visibility to an often overlooked community. It’s unclear if Uzi picked a day so close on purpose, but regardless, it’s a fitting occasion.
Written by Kimberly Stelly | Instagram | Twitter
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