Young Thug Sparks Controversy with Comments on Trust and Closeted Gay Men

Atlanta-born rapper Young Thug has come under fire following controversial remarks made during an appearance on the “Perspektives with Bank” podcast on September 7, 2025. Speaking with host Big Bank, Young Thug stated that he does not trust gay men who are not upfront about their sexuality, particularly those who “act straight” or do not disclose their identity early in a friendship or working relationship. The rapper went on to compare the act of coming out later in a friendship to “ratting” or informing the police—a comparison that has been met with widespread criticism within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community .

During the podcast, Young Thug explained: “Once you rat or once you turn gay. And I don’t got nothing against gay people, I got gay people that work for me. But when I look at you in a certain way. If I meet you and you’re gay then it’s like okay. If I meet you and you are portraying that you’re a man and you’re not gay… I can’t look at you the same” .

Despite repeatedly stating he does not harbor any animosity toward gay people, Young Thug’s comments have been interpreted by many as reinforcing harmful stereotypes and prejudices. He emphasized that he is “not homophobic," but critics argue that the distinction he draws between openly gay men and those who do not disclose their sexuality perpetuates a culture of mistrust and stigma .

Queer advocates and allies have been quick to respond to Young Thug’s statements, highlighting the complexities surrounding coming out and the importance of respecting individual journeys. For many, coming out is a deeply personal process shaped by factors such as safety, social acceptance, and mental health. Forcing disclosure or equating privacy with deception can endanger individuals and perpetuate harmful stereotypes .

Members of the queer community have also pointed out that Young Thug’s comments play into stereotypes around masculinity and gay identity. The notion of “straight-acting” or “masculine” gay men not being open about their sexuality has long been a topic of debate, with many arguing that such language erases the diversity of gay and queer experiences .

The backlash to Young Thug’s remarks has been swift across social media platforms, with many users expressing disappointment and concern over the messages being sent to fans and the wider public. On X (formerly Twitter), queer activists and allies called on the rapper to clarify his statements and to engage in open dialogue with queer people and organizations about the impact of his words .

Several public figures have weighed in, expressing that the comments highlight the need for ongoing education and advocacy within the hip-hop community and beyond. Some have called for Young Thug to issue a formal apology and to use his platform to promote acceptance and understanding.

Hip-hop has a complicated history with queer inclusion, but artists such as Lil Nas X, Saucy Santana, and Frank Ocean have been at the forefront of changing perceptions and breaking barriers in recent years. However, incidents like this underscore the importance of continued dialogue, education, and allyship within the industry .