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She's finally opening up about who she is.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Apr 27, 2018
When we talk about sexuality, many people have the idea that one can only be attracted to either men or women. But what we don’t often discuss is pansexuality.
What is pansexuality? It’s when someone is sexually attracted to a person regardless of their sex or gender identity. (And yes, it’s much different than being bisexual.)
And shining a light on being pansexual is Janelle Monáe, who recently gave an interview to Rolling Stone to talk not only about her new album, but about her sexuality as well. So, is Janelle Monáe gay? Well, not quite.
The 32-year-old singer and actress has never spoken about her sexuality so candidly before, but said that she has always had the answer embedded in her music: “If you listen to my albums, it’s there.”
Her latest music video for “Pynk” has alleged queer undertones.
In the video, Monáe is surrounded by female dancers who are wearing pink ensembles that resemble vaginas. Even the lyrics in the song hint at allusions to sexuality: “Pink like your fingers in my [wink], maybe,” she sings.
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In her interview, Monáe directly addressed her feelings on what it’s like being a young queer woman in today’s society, as well as how she finally found a term that truly embodies her sexual identity:
"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." She originally 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.”
Her music video for “Make Me Feel” also has hidden comments about sexuality. “It’s a young gay boy coming to his first gay club, and I’m a bar queen coming in. It’s supposed to be that first experience that everyone has at a gay club,” she told Billboard.
Monáe’s highly anticipated third studio album, Dirty Computer, comes out today, April 27. And it’s no secret for whom she wrote this record:
“I want young girls, young boys, non-binary, 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.”
RELATED: Why You NEED To Know The Difference Between Pansexual and Bisexual
Samantha Maffucci is an associate editor for YourTango. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.