Singer Janelle Monae comes out

Janelle Monae has come out as a “queer black woman” in the pages of Rolling Stone. The singer has long been rumored to be part of the LGBTQ community, including dating “Thor: Ragnarok” actress Tessa Thompson.

According to Rolling Stone, Monae said: “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 motherfucker.” Monae originally identified as bi, but later learned about, and embraced, pansexuality. “I’m open to learning more about who I am.” Monae, an actress who appeared in the films “Moonlight” and “Hidden Figures,” is also a CoverGirl model and the CEO of her own label.

Monae dedicated her newest album, “Dirty Computer,” to the LGBTQ community. In 2003, the artist burst onto the scene with her first studio album, “The Audition,” and followed that up with the conceptual record “Metropolis: Suite 1 (The Case),” which cracked the Billboard 200. That was followed in 2010 by another album, “The ArchAndroid,” released by Bad Boy Records, which eventually claiming spot 17 on the Billboard 200. She also appeared on fun’s “We Are Young,” which became a number one hit in 2012.  Her style is described as “funk” and “psychedelic soul.”

In her interview, Monae said ““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.”