Janelle Monae is pansexual, the singer revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, putting speculation to rest and drawing attention to the concept of attraction to all gender identities.
Monae called herself "a queer black woman in America" and "someone who has been in relationships with both men and women," and explained that she initially identified as bisexual before learning more about pansexuality, Rolling Stone reported.
"I'm open to learning more about who I am," she told the magazine.
In February, Monae referred to herself as "sexually liberated," while refraining from defining her sexuality, The Guardian reported.
Her "Make Me Feel" music video has been regarded by some as a bisexual anthem, USA Today noted.
The publication attempted to clear up confusion about the differences between pansexual and bisexual.
"Pan is more about all-inclusive, and bi tends to be more than one," GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis told USA Today, adding, "The golden rule, honestly, is to call someone by how they identify."
Monae, a six-time Grammy nominee who has also starred in films such as "Moonlight" and "Hidden Figures," said clues to her sexuality have been in her songs, including "Mushrooms & Roses" and "Q.U.E.E.N," which feature a female love interest, CNN noted.
Her new album "Dirty Computer" debuts Friday.
"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 told Rolling Stone. "This album is for you. Be proud."
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