Janelle Monáe came out as pansexual and bisexual in a new interview with Rolling Stone on Thursday (April 26).
The recording artist's sexuality was often speculated about for the many years. Many have even questioned the star about her relationship with actress Tessa Thompson, as they are frequently seen with one another at industry events.
"I’m open to learning more about who I am," Monáe told Rolling Stone. "Being a queer black woman in America,” as she took a deep breath, “someone who has been in relationships with both men and women – I consider myself to be a free-ass motherf**ker."
The singer/actress has always had an androgynous persona. Monáe later admitted that this was a defense mechanism because she “felt like I [didn’t] look like a stereotypical black female artist.” Monáe has also previously hinted at her sexuality on songs like “Mushrooms & Roses,” "PYNK" and “Q.U.E.E.N.” In fact, “Q.U.E.E.N.” was originally named “Q.U.E.E.R.”
The celeb added in her interview: “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.”
Along with Monáe's Dirty Computer album, she'll be releasing a "Dirty Computer" movie, too. In this exciting visual, viewers can see Monae express her sexuality even more. Dirty Computer comes out Friday (April 27)!
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