Janelle Monáe opened up about her sexuality, and dedicated her new album to young people “who are having a hard time dealing with their sexuality.”
“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 motherf—er,” Monáe told Rolling Stone in a recent cover interview. She told the magazine that she initially identified as bisexual, “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.”
The singer and award-winning actress said that she has felt “misunderstood” in Hollywood, and previously avoided questions about dating and sexuality. But, “If you listen to my albums, it’s there,” she said.
“I was like, ‘Before I self-destruct, before I become a confused person in front of the world, let me seek some help.’ I was afraid for anybody to see me not at the top of my game,” she said. “That obsession was too much for me.”
She dedicated her new album, “Dirty Computer,” to young LGBTQ boys and girls.
“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,” she said. “Be proud.”
Read the full cover story over here.