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Pansexual singer and actor Janelle Monáe recently made a historic announcement about her gender identity, revealing that she identifies as non-binary.
Janelle Monáe is a pansexual American musician, actress, and model known for her roles in the series “Homecoming” or films like “Moonlight”, “Hidden Figures,” and more recently “Harriet” alongside Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr.
On the April 20 episode of “Red Table Talk,” Monáe spoke candidly about her non-binarity with Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, and Adrienne Banfield Norris.
Throughout the conversation, which you can watch in full below, Monáe talked about her experiences growing up gender non-conforming and how she has chosen to embrace her identity.
Her coming out didn’t come as a surprise to many fans as in 2020, Monáe used the hashtag #IAmNonBinary “in support of Nonbinary Day and to bring more awareness to the community,” but it was an important moment in the visibility of non-binary people.
“I’m nonbinary, so I just don’t see myself as a woman, solely,” she says. “I feel all of my energy. I feel like god is so much bigger than the ‘he’ or the ‘she.’ And if I am from God, I am everything. I am everything. But I will always, always stand with women. I will always stand with Black women. But I just see everything I am. Beyond the binary.”
She adds: “Somebody said, ‘If you don’t work out the things that you need to work out first before you share with the world, then you’ll be working it out with the world.’ That’s what I didn’t want to do. So I thought I needed to have all my answers correct. I don’t want to say the wrong thing.”
When Monáe announced she identified as nonbinary, it was greeted with widespread celebration by members of the LGBTQIA+ community and her legion of adoring fans.
Back in 2018, she came out as pansexual in Rolling Stone magazine, explaining that she had previously identified as bisexual but realized over time that her sexual orientation included more than just gender or sex.
“Later, I read about pansexuality and was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too,’ she said. “I’m open to learning more about who I am.”
In the interview on the hit talk show “Red Table Talk,” she spoke openly about her experience with pansexuality, emphasizing her belief that love can be found anywhere and in anyone.
She explained: “I don’t see how you identify. And I feel like that opens you up to fall in love with whoever, with any beautiful spirit.”
She also talked about her very religious family.
“My whole family is church ... church, church,” she explained. “So I was just like ‘what does it mean to go against your whole family on this thing?’ But I was ready! I was like: if they don’t love me, don’t call me asking for no money. You will not get my LGBTQIA+ money. How about that?”
It’s clear that she is very passionate about the subject, and she isn’t afraid to stand up to her family or anyone else who might disagree with her. She is confident in her identity and has no problem being open about it with others. It’s refreshing to see someone so comfortable in their own skin, and I can only hope that her confidence will inspire others to be more accepting of themselves as well.
And when asked about her past relationships, she spoke candidly about both monogamous and polyamorous partnerships.
Janelle Monae’s announcement that she identifies as a non-binary pansexual was met with praise from many quarters. She is a role model for anyone who feels like they don’t fit into the traditional gender binary. She is an example of someone who has embraced her true identity and uses her popularity to help others do the same. We should all be grateful, as it will help make the world a more inclusive place for everyone. What do you think of Janelle Monae’s announcement? I, for one, think it’s fantastic!
Also, note that Janelle Monáe is set to star in the upcoming film “Knives Out 2”, which is currently in its early stages of production. The film is a follow-up to the 2019 release “Knives Out,” which was met with critical acclaim and was a box office success. Monáe will be starring alongside Ethan Hawke, Daniel Craig, Kate Hudson, and Jessica Henwick in the new film, which is being directed by Rian Johnson. The project has already generated a lot of interest, and it is sure to be a hit when it is released.
Also, know that she’s set to star in a new series called “De La Resistance,” where she’ll play the iconic Josephine Baker.
I will have the opportunity to come back to them in more detail soon.
Top photo by Myles Kalus Anak Jihem
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