15 major LGBTQIA+ moments in pop culture in 2018

HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 29: Janelle Monae attends the premiere Of Disney and Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ at Dolby Theatre on January 29, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

Janelle Monáe comes out as queer and releases Dirty Computer

After years of fans speculating about her sexuality, Janelle Monáe confirmed what many hoped to be true. In an interview with Rolling Stone in April, she revealed that she was queer, bisexual to be exact, though she identifies with pansexuality too. “Being a queer black woman in America,” she told the magazine. “Someone who has been in relationships with both men and women – I consider myself to be a free-ass motherf-cker.”

Monáe was already heralded as a queer icon, most notably for her stylishly androgynous look at the beginning of her career, where she was rarely seen without a pompadour and a crisp, fitted suit. With the release of her album Dirty Computer this year, she solidified that status with an album punctuated with lyrics about sexual freedom, hoping to inspire her fans.

“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,” she also said to Rolling Stone. “This album is for you. Be proud.”

The album’s single “Pynk” was one of the most queer songs on the album, celebrating women’s empowerment and featuring Monáe wearing labia-looking pants, dancing in the desert with a group of other women, celebrating the vagina. The video also featured Tessa Thompson, who has since come out as bisexual and revealed she and Monáe are in a relationship. The two had been making appearances together for years, but now we know they’re more than just gal pals!