Singer Janelle Monáe revealed in an interview published Thursday that she is pansexual.
“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-a** motherf**ker,” Monáe told Rolling Stone.
The singer said 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.”
Pansexuality is defined as an attraction to people regardless of their sex or gender identity.
Monáe, 32, said although she ducked questions about her sexuality in interviews, she dropped hints in her music.
“If you listen to my albums, it's there," she explained, pointing to 2010's "Mushrooms & Roses" and 2013's “Q.U.E.E.N.” In the latter, the word “queer” can be heard in the harmonies.
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Monáe, who is reportedly in a relationship with actress Tessa Thompson (she won’t discuss her dating life), said she hopes her new album Dirty Computer speaks to young people struggling with their sexuality.
"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,” she said. “This album is for you. Be proud."