Pansexual and non-binary music icon Janelle Monáe is unabashedly manifesting queer joy, living her life as “The Age of Pleasure” personified. With her latest queer-centric album, Monáe passionately explores the depths of this euphoria. Her music videos for singles “Lipstick Lover” and “Water Slide” serve as love letters to the beauty of queer bodies and the exuberance found in LGBTQ+ intimacy.
Amidst an onslaught of homophobic and transphobic legislation targeting young trans individuals in the US, Monáe, who uses both she/her and they/them pronouns, emphasizes the importance of “stealing joy” to navigate through these dark times. Despite the challenges, she stands strong by prioritizing herself, embracing the best moments of her life, and remaining surrounded by those who bring her joy.
In response to critics attempting to diminish her joy or undermine her artistic expression, Monáe dismisses their opinions, affirming her love and acceptance for everyone. Her commitment to the “age of pleasure” empowers her to disregard negativity and focus on the voices that matter.
As a non-binary, queer, and pansexual individual, Monáe pledges to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, determined to combat anti-queer legislation. She recognizes the significance of unity and amplifies silenced voices, vowing never to remain silent about the injustices faced by the trans community.
Embodying an inspirational way of life, Janelle Monáe serves as a beacon of hope in the face of restrictive policies that attempt to impede the way queer people live. Her latest album, “The Age of Pleasure,” embodies her unwavering commitment to embracing joy and fighting for a more inclusive world. As her tour takes shape, Monáe’s celebration of queer joy reverberates far beyond her music, resonating with the hearts of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.