Them. magazine has introduced Janelle Monae as the cover star of its debut issue. Away from serving gorgeous looks, the songstress who came out as pansexual in an interview with Rolling Stone last year opened up about the coming out experience.

On her freedom, living and loving out loud: “To be young, queer, and Black in America means that you can be misunderstood. You can be hated. It also means that you can be celebrated and loved. And I think that there’s a lot at stake when you’re living out loud in that way.”

On the experience so far: “It’s been a journey,” she says. “For me, sexuality and sexual identity and fluidity is a journey. It’s not a destination. I’ve discovered so much about myself over the years as I’ve evolved and grown and spent time with myself and loved ones. That’s the exciting thing — always finding out new things about who you are. And that’s what I love about life. It takes us on journeys that not even we ourselves sometimes are prepared for. You just adapt to where you are and how you’ve evolved as a free thinking person.”

Monaé also gave advice to those who are struggling with their sexual identity or with coming out to friends and family. “Don’t allow yourself to feel any pressure other than the pressure you put on you,” she said. “And I think there’s so much power in not labeling yourself. That said, there’s also power in saying “This is how I identify,” and having community with the folks you identify with. Everyone is on a journey of self-discovery, and those of us who may not understand others’ journeys should be more empathetic and tolerant and supportive.

Credits:

Photographer: @frenchgold
Stylist: @solangefranklin
Hair Stylist: @nikkinelms
Makeup Artist: @jessicasmalls
Set Designer: @kaaatessstein
Manicurist: @shespolished
Video: @pitch__please

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