Janelle Monáe, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress, and producer, has consistently captivated audiences with her unique style, powerful performances, and enigmatic public persona. As a public figure, questions about Monáe's personal life, including her sexual orientation, have been a topic of curiosity for fans and the media alike.
For years, rumors regarding Janelle's sexuality have circulated on the internet. When she first entered the music industry, the singer was notoriously secretive about her dating choices. Questions regarding her romantic life were answered with amusing deflections, and the line “I only date androids” became one of the singer's go-to responses.
In an interview with Red Table Talk, a talk show presented by Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, and Adrienne Banfield-Norris in 2022, musician and actor Janelle Monáe announced that she was nonbinary, meaning she was neither entirely male nor female. Monáe addressed her nonbinary identification throughout the program, saying, “I'm nonbinary, so I just didn't see myself as a woman, solely.”
In this article, we explore the complexities surrounding discussions about Janelle Monáe's sexual orientation and the artist's approach to privacy.
Is Janelle Monáe Lesbian?
Monáe came out as pansexual in a Rolling Stone cover story in 2018, before the release of her album Dirty Computer, expressing an interest in people of any sex or gender. In the Red Table Talk interview, however, she stated that she did not see people based on how they identified, saying, “I don't see how you identify.”
Monáe first hinted at being nonbinary in January 2020, with the hashtag “IAmNonbinary.” In an interview with Vanity Fair a month later, she stated that it was to support Nonbinary Day and raise awareness in the community.
She went on to say, “I'm so open to what the universe is teaching me, and all of us, about gender.” During the Rolling Stone interview, however, Monáe addressed her path of self-discovery, noting that she wanted time to figure things out for herself before coming out publicly.
She emphasized her anxiety about saying the incorrect thing and the need to discuss her identification with her family before revealing it to the rest of the world. While Monáe did not specify if she would use alternative pronouns in the Red Table Talk interview, she did say in a later interview that they/them and she/her are among her pronouns.
Read More: Is Taylor Zakhar Perez Gay? Everything About “Minx” Star’s Sexuality!
During the pandemic, Monáe emphasized the necessity of self-discovery and rehabilitation, stating that she faced feelings of rejection and worries of abandonment. She realized that being authentic may result in the loss of some people, but she underlined the significance of finding one's actual community.
Who has Janelle Monáe Dated in the past?
Tessa Thompson
Janelle Monáe has been romantically linked to various people. One famously speculated romance was with Tessa Thompson, who appeared in Janelle's 2018 music video, Make Me Feel. The video's on-screen chemistry fueled speculation of a love relationship between Janelle and Tessa.
Nate Wonder
Janelle was said to be dating musician Nate Wonder in addition to Tessa. They not only dealt with relationship allegations, but they also worked together musically.
Read More: Is Natalie Maines Gay? Navigating Speculation About Her Sexual Orientation!
Despite being photographed kissing on a boat in Cabo in April 2021, Janelle and Nate never publicly announced their relationship.
Lewis Hamilton
In 2015, Janelle was romantically linked to British race car racer Lewis Hamilton. They made headlines when they were turned down for a fashion show in Paris because they were late. Janelle retweeted a photo of herself with Lewis and model Suki Waterhouse in October 2015.
