Janelle Monae Talks Navigating Non-Binary Journey: 'Keeping An Open Mind'

Janelle Monae is speaking her truth about identifying as a non-binary. 

After several speculations about the “Hidden Figure” actress's gender identity, she confirmed that she actually identifies as non-binary. Since coming out of the closet, the singer has encouraged people to discover their gender identity.

In a recent interview, the “Moonlight“ actress explored her views on navigating the non-binary journey. 

In the interview with Jess Cagle, the “We are young” singer expressed her views on identifying as non-binary. At first, the former People editor-in-chief commended the singer for her previous interview in which she had spoken about her gender identity, helping young people to discover themselves. 

Monáe replied to Cagle, explaining her gender beliefs, “I think it's all about just honoring your truth and your authenticity, and whatever that may look like.”

The “Antebellum” actress continued, “I'm not this arrogant person that thinks I have all the answers, so I think for me, it's about making sure I'm also saying to people, 'Further investigate who you are,' you know?"

For those who questioned their gender, Monáe had a piece of advice for them. The “Make me feel” singer said, “Allow yourself to discover something new about yourself. Open up your mind to different possibilities, and listen to folks who are saying, 'This is who I am. This is how I feel inside and outside.'"

The “Glass Onion” actress then revealed her approach towards gender identity was necessary because “as we evolve as humanity, as we understand more about gender, as we understand more about sexuality," Monáe added, “So, I'm just keeping an open mind about it all."

Fans would recall that the eight-time Grammy Award nominee spoke about her gender last year. The Blast documented that the singer verified her gender status while on an episode of the “Red Table Talk.”

“I’m non-binary,” Monáe had revealed to the hosts. “So, I just don’t see myself as a woman or — solely. You know, I feel all of my energy.” This declaration confirmed the speculations about the artist’s identity. 

Monáe further added that her gender doesn’t prevent her from supporting women in their fight against several societal issues.

In the songwriter’s words, “I will always stand with women. I will always stand with Black women, but I just see everything that I am beyond the binary.”

As the conversation progressed, the rapper shared her perspective on how she saw others differently, choosing to perceive people’s energy rather than their identity. According to her, this sort of perspective allows one “to fall in love with any beautiful spirit. ”

Still, in the conversation, the “Harriet” actress highlighted her opinion that God is bigger than gender, and if she is from God, then she is so much more. 

Before the interview with Cagle, “The Memory Librarian” author teased a new music project. As reported, the activist hinted at dropping new sounds when she appeared on TODAY SHOW with Jenna Bush Hager. 

When asked by Hager if fans should expect new music following the conclusion of her latest movie. Monáe replied, “You know what? I’m very inspired. I’m in a wonderful place. After filming this movie, I think I kind of had like a little drought being in the pandemic.”

The 37-year-old disclosed that after traveling and connecting with people, she began to feel more centered before revealing that she has “a lot to say on the music side.”

Fellow “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” star, Edward Norton, praised the rapper and branded her the “David Bowie of our crowd” before listing her skills in entertainment. He said:

“You know, she’s an actress, she’s an incredible musician, she incarnates characters,” and Hager concurred to this.

Additionally, Norton commended Monáe’s working skills, pointing out that working with her was the “whole highlight for him.”