Singer and actress Janelle Monae reveals she is pansexual and has been with both men and women

MUSICIAN and actress Janelle Monae has confirmed longstanding rumours about her sexuality.

“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***er,” she told Rolling Stone in a revealing interview.

According to the New York Post, the singer, 32, whose latest album, Dirty Computer, is out tomorrow, said she initially identified as bisexual, but after further research, settled on pansexual. It’s defined as being attracted to all kinds of people not based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

“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,” she added.

For years, whenever Monae was asked about her personal life, she would say, “I only date androids.”

She has recently been linked to actress Tessa Thompson, who stars in Monae’s upcoming 45-minute film Mary Apple.

Monae said that although she’s discussing her sexuality now, she’s been dropping hints along the way. “If you listen to my albums, it’s there,” she told the magazine. She says songs Mushrooms & Roses and Q.U.E.E.N. mention a love interest named Mary.

On Dirty Computer, she says she wants to help fans embrace themselves.

“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 ostracised or bullied for just being their unique selves, to know that I see you,” she said. “This album is for you. Be proud.”

This story was originally published in the New York Post and is republished with permission.