“When I was coming into who I was, as a queer person, I had to do that privately and publicly”
IMAGE BY PRESS, COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MASON ROSE
Over their two-decade-long career as a musician, Janelle Monáe has found a way to connect with and heal with their dedicated LGBTQIA fanbase, especially those who are QTIPOC. They’ve consistently made Black queerstory and this summer, they released their highly-anticipated album, The Age Of Pleasure, which welcomed in a new era of queer liberation and joy.
“I’m more free. I’m centring more joy and more fun” – Janelle Monáe
With October marking Black History Month here in the UK, and November seeing in the annual international observation of Trans Awareness Week, we can think of no better cover star for our October/November issue. Though let’s be honest, we’d love the pop star on any of our covers.
“Whenever I’m creating, I’m honest to where I am at that time” – Janelle Monáe
This issue is available for order now. So be sure to grab yourself a copy so you can read more about the musician, actor and trailblazer’s life and how they have come into their identity as a Black pansexual non-binary person in the public eye. It’s an inspiring read.
DIVA magazine celebrates 29 years in print in 2023. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
