Janelle Monae on lesbian rumors: ‘I want women to still be attracted to me’

Janelle Monae Portraits

Janelle Monae‘s sexuality continues to be a topic of conversation and gossip. The critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter released her new album, Electric Lady, last week and the buzz surrounding its release has thrust Monae into the spotlight like never before. But while many are interested in her unique fashion sense and undeniably creative approach to music-making, the starlet’s personal life is coming under more and more scrutiny.


Monae revealed in a recent interview with Pride magazine that, until recently, she was blissfully unaware that people were speculating as to whether or not she is a lesbian. But if she didn’t know before, she definitely knows now.


Monae made an appearance on “Sway In the Morning” to promote the new album, and once again, the conversation inevitably turned to the rumors that she is lesbian or bisexual.

For her part, Monae tried to give a very “politically correct” answer when Sway asked about the rumors.


“Women are amazing … and so are guys,” Monae stated. “There’s nothing wrong with being bisexual, there’s nothing wrong with being lesbian or gay. I am an advocate. I have friends who are in same-sex relationships and I feel love has no sexual orientation. Love has no religious belief. Love is the purest and most important thing we can possess for ourselves and for others.”
But when Sway pressed further, Monae made it clear that her personal life is personal, while also indicating that she has no problem with the fact that she’s become something of a sex symbol to women as well as men.
“I keep my personal life very much to myself. I want everybody to focus on my music. I also don’t want to let anybody down. I want women to still be attracted to me. Go get my album! I want men to still be attracted to me so I have to be political in this. So I can’t really tell y’all!”

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