Janelle Monáe just appeared to come out as non-binary
Janelle Monáe at the premiere of ‘Queen & Slim’. (Wireimage/ Getty/ Tommaso Boddi))
The American singer, actress and producer Janelle Monáe has seemingly come out as non-binary using the hashtag #IAmNonBinary.
The hashtag was trending on Twitter on Friday as many non-binary people used it to come out. Others used it as an educational tool, or to simply boost visibility of gender non-conforming identities.
Monáe, who came out as pansexual in 2018, included the hashtag as she quote tweeted a GIF of Stevonnie, a non-binary character from the children’s cartoon Steven Universe.
“Are you a boy or a girl?” Stevonnie is asked in the episode. “I am an experience,” they reply.
#IAmNonbinary ? https://t.co/9TN13XAAra
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) January 10, 2020
It’s not clear whether Monáe was using this as an opportunity to come out as non-binary, or to show solidarity with the non-binary community. The singer did not include any mention of preferred pronouns in the tweet.
Many of Monáe’s followers have taken the tweet literally, and shared their congratulations and gratitude.
Oh hell yeah I love you royalty!!! Artistic monarch!! Absolute legend ?? pic.twitter.com/8ErxuGAKwd
— Emma Lucy (@EmaMilkCarton) January 11, 2020
A beautiful quote, shared by a stunning soul. This seemingly small thing will mean a great deal to so very many people – words that change the world. Words that are magic. Thank you for using them. ✨
— ShaharTheAlchemist (@ShaharThe) January 11, 2020
Meeeee tooooo!!! Thank you for using your platform to speak your beautiful, authentic truth, you beautiful, authentic human. #janellemonaeislove
— Kat LaMar (@kats_tweetsies) January 11, 2020
i’ve never felt more closer to you than i do now. you’ve been my inspiration since i was in high school, your music helped me come out to my parents, and now to see this makes my heart explode. my forever fairy god renny.
— Lord Hokajay (@jayloren_) January 11, 2020
this makes my heart sing ???
— Samantha Riedel (@SamusMcQueen) January 11, 2020
You will help lift up many with this declaration. Your truth will empower, encourage, and send strength to many feeling vulnerable and unseen. I hope those who needed to read this feel less lonely and more powerful. I salute you for your courage.
— Aaron Vallely (@Vallmeister) January 11, 2020
Because you spoke up today, some person out there was lifted from the darkness of being afraid, unseen, and uncertain of their identity in a society that hates LGBTQ+ people. Thank you for being a voice to those finding their own, and for publicly sharing something intimate ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dpB0F1eYwo
— The Cali Nerd (@TheCaliNerd) January 11, 2020
YESSSSSSSS #IAmNonbinary too and I’m so fuckin proud of you!
— Isa (@louisabaddie) January 11, 2020
drop ur pronouns legend pic.twitter.com/UbjZtivYg5
— chase ?? (@cjmdraws) January 11, 2020
This is a developing story and will be updated if Monáe offers a clarification.
