Janelle Monae has come out as pansexual in a new cover story interview with Rolling Stone. She told the magazine:
“Being a queer black woman in America, someone who has been in relationships with both men and women – I consider myself to be a free-ass motherfucker.”
Though she once identified as bisexual, she has since clarified:
“But then later I read about pansexuality and was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too.’ I’m open to learning more about who I am.”
(‘Pansexual’ is defined as ‘not limited in sexual choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity.’)
Still, the singer says this news shouldn’t come as a surprise to fans who have been truly listening:
“If you listen to my albums, it’s there.”
(Rolling Stone reports that Monae then cited songs “Mushrooms & Roses” and “Q.U.E.E.N.”—which she says was originally titled “Q.U.E.E.R.”—and both reference a character named Mary as the object of her affection.
It should also be noted that actress Tessa Thompson has been playing her love interest in several of the visual accompaniments to this upcoming album: the trailer, the “Make Me Feel” music video, and the “Pynk” music video.
Ultimately, the singer hopes that her upcoming album Dirty Computer will liberate listeners who have endured the same struggle:
“I want young girls, young boys, nonbinary, gay, straight, queer people who are having a hard time dealing with their sexuality, dealing with feeling ostracized or bullied for just being their unique selves, to know that I see you. This album is for you. Be proud.”
‘Dirty Computer’ is due tomorrow, April 27.