Janelle Monae comes out as pansexual

Monae, a six-time Grammy nominee who has also starred in films such as Moonlight and Hidden Figures, says she’s pansexual, free and still learning about her sexuality.

“Being a black queer woman in America. Someone who has been in relationships with both men and women, I consider myself to be a free, motherf**ker.

“But then later I read about pansexuality and I was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too.’ I’m open to learning more about myself,” she said.

Janelle Monae’s sexual orientation has been a source of speculation in the past. In a 2013 interview with Pride Source, Janelle stated that she lives her life freely and doesn’t care what people say about her sexuality.

Monae told Rolling Stone that the answers to the questions around her sexuality were always in her music. She cites Mushrooms & Roses and Q.U.E.E.N as two songs that portray a woman named Mary as a love interest.

Monae’s hope is that her new album, Dirty Computer, which debuts on Friday, will inspire those who feel left out for being different.

“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.”