Star Trek's George Takei Praises Lemont Native's YouTube Hit

Lemont native Steve Grand continues to attract national attention for his gay-themed country song, "All-American Boy," and on Wednesday he received a notable shoutout from Star Trek actor George Takei.

Takei, an openly gay actor and author, shared Grand's video on his Facebook page, which has nearly 4.3 million followers.

"I am constantly amazed by young people today, especially how different their attitudes towards sex and sexuality are," Takei wrote. "Here is a courageous young country music artist, Steve Grand—the first ever openly gay one in his genre. No agent, no label, just pure heart. (And quite the looker, I might add. Oh myyy.) He's racked up over 800,000 views in just a few days. Let's add a few more."

Grand, 23, posted the video for "All-American Boy" to YouTube on July 2. As of Thursday, the video has attracted more than a million views and thousands of followers on Grand's Facebook and Twitter pages.

"All-American Boy" is a classic tale of unrequited love, but unlike most other country songs, it's told from a gay man's perspective. 

Grand told the Associated Press that the story was inspired by an experience he had at summer camp when he was 13 years old.

“One of my counselors was warm and strong and he took an interest in me—not sexually, but as a friend, and it really moved me," Grand said in the interview. "I remember leaving with a horrible ache in my heart.”

Grand maxed out his credit card to make the $7,000 video.

In an interview wtih Good Morning America on Tuesday, Grand said the story behind "All-American Boy" is one that everyone can relate to, regardless of sexuality.

"I wrote it from the most purest, genuine place in my soul," Grand said. "It's not about being gay, it's about longing for someone." 

For more on Grand, read "Lemont Native's Gay-Themed Country Song Becomes YouTube Hit."